a nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (abg) values for a client and notes the following results: ph…

a nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (abg) values for a client and notes the following results: ph 7.49, paco₂ 39 mm hg, and hco₃⁻ 35 meq/l. the nurse should interpret this abg reading as an indication of which of the following acid-base imbalances?\nmetabolic acidosis\nrespiratory acidosis\nmetabolic alkalosis\nrespiratory alkalosis
Answer
Brief Explanations:
- First, identify normal ABG ranges: pH 7.35-7.45, PaCO₂ 35-45 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 22-26 mEq/L.
- The pH of 7.49 is above normal, indicating alkalosis.
- PaCO₂ (39 mmHg) is within normal range, ruling out respiratory causes.
- HCO₃⁻ (35 mEq/L) is above normal, which is the defining marker of metabolic alkalosis.
Answer:
Metabolic alkalosis