Advanced Patient Assessment Practice Exam

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ABG results of a 35-year-old woman with congestive heart failure indicate which condition? pH: 7.50; PaCO2: 30 mm Hg; HCO3: 23 mEq/L; BE: +2 mEq/L

Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis
Compensated respiratory acidosis
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis

The correct answer is: Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

The given arterial blood gas (ABG) results indicate a pH level of 7.50, which is higher than the normal range (7.35-7.45), suggesting alkalosis. The low PaCO2 value of 30 mm Hg indicates that there is a respiratory component at play since carbon dioxide is a primary influence on acidity in the blood; when levels are low, this typically correlates with increased pH. The HCO3 levels are within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), indicating that there is no significant metabolic compensation occurring. Since the pH is elevated and the PaCO2 is low without any compensatory increase in HCO3, this confirms a state of respiratory alkalosis. Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis occurs when the respiratory system causes an increase in blood pH due to excessive exhalation of CO2. The absence of significant metabolic compensation reflects that the body has not yet been able to adapt to this respiratory disturbance. Given this analysis, the answer points towards uncompensated respiratory alkalosis, as indicated by the elevated pH and low PaCO2, complemented by HCO3 levels that do not reflect a compensatory metabolic change.