Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
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 and PCO2 of 28 indicate respiratory alkalosis, likely due to hyperventilation from the head injury.