A client with a history of severe diarrhea presents to the emergency department. Vital signs reveal a respiratory rate of 36 breaths per minute, heart rate 110 bpm, and blood pressure 90/60 mm Hg. Arterial blood gas results include: pH 7.30, PaCO2 29 mm Hg, PaO2 100 mm Hg, and HCO3- 21 mEq/L. How does the nurse interpret these findings?

Metabolic acidosis. Normal arterial blood gas results include, pH 7.35 to 7.45, PaCO2 35 to 45 mm Hg, PaO2 75 to 100 mm Hg, HCO³- 22 to 28 mEq/L, and oxygen saturation 94 to 100%. Metabolic acidosis is present when pH is less than 7.35 and PaCO2 and HCO3- are below normal and can occur following severe diarrhea. Metabolic alkalosis is present when pH is greater than 7.45, and PaCO2 and HCO3- are higher than normal. Respiratory acidosis occurs when pH is less than 7.35 and PaCO2 and HCO3- are higher than normal. Respiratory alkalosis is present when pH is greater than 7.45 and PaCO2 and HCO3- are lower than normal. The severe diarrhea probably lead to a loss of bicarbonate.

A client with a history of severe diarrhea presents to the emerge...

Category: Reduction of Risk Potential
Difficulty: 8

Topics: Acid-Base Gastrointestinal

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