Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 76%
Full-length
The physician has ordered intubation and mechanical ventilation for a client with periods of apnea following a closed head injury. Arterial blood gases reveal a pH of 7.47, PCO2 of 28, and HCO3 of 23. These findings indicate that the client has:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
A pH of 7.47 (alkaline) with low PCO2 (28) indicates respiratory alkalosis, likely from hyperventilation due to brain injury. Normal HCO3 rules out metabolic causes.