Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
A client has the following arterial blood gas values: pH, 7.52; PaO2, 50 mm Hg; PaCO2, 28 mm Hg; HCO3╦åÔÇÖ, 24 mEq/L. The nurse determines that which of the following is a possible cause for these findings?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The ABG shows respiratory alkalosis (high pH, low PaCO2) and severe hypoxia (PaO2 50). Pulmonary embolus causes hypoxia and hyperventilation, matching these findings. COPD causes CO2 retention. Ketoacidosis causes metabolic acidosis. Myocardial infarction is less likely to cause this pattern.