Which set of arterial blood gases would the nurse expect to find in a client who developed a pulmonary embolism 15 minutes ago?
A. pH 7.30, HCO3– 22 mEq/L, PCO2 60 mm Hg, PO2 66 mm Hg
B. pH 7.38, HCO3– 22 mEq/L, PCO2 45 mm Hg, PO2 96 mm Hg
C. pH 7.47, HCO3– 23 mEq/L, PCO2 25 mm Hg, PO2 82 mm Hg
D. pH 7.30, HCO3– 28 mEq/L, PCO2 65 mm Hg, PO2 75 mm Hg
C
Early changes in blood gases reflect the respiratory alkalosis caused by the hyperventilation due to pain, hypoxia, and anxiety. Such a problem results in excessive loss of carbon dioxide, even though the client is somewhat hypoxic at this time. The reduced partial pressure of carbon dio-xide results in a diminished hydrogen concentration and a higher than normal pH.
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