Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 70%
Simulated
A nurse evaluates the following arterial blood gas values in a patient: pH 7.48, PaO2 98 mm Hg, PaCO2 28 mm Hg, and HCO3 - 22 mEq/L (22 mmol/L). Which patient condition does the nurse correlate with these results?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
High pH and low PaCO2 indicate respiratory alkalosis, consistent with hyperventilation from anxiety.