Author Question: A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with the diagnosis of acute respiratory ... (Read 72 times)

cookcarl · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient has been admitted to the critical care unit with the diagnosis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

Arterial blood gasses (ABGs) revealed an elevated pH and decreased PaCO2 . The patient is becoming fatigued, and the health care provider orders a repeat ABG. The nurse anticipates the following results

a. elevated pH and decreased PaCO2
b. elevated pH and elevated PaCO2
c. decreased pH and decreased PaCO2
d. decreased pH and elevated PaCO2

Question 2

A patient is admitted to the unit in respiratory distress secondary to pneumoni

a. The nurse knows that obtaining a history is very important. What is the appropriate intervention at this time for obtaining this data?

a. Collect an overview of past medical history, present history, and current health status.
b. Do not obtain any history at this time.
c. Curtail the history to just a few questions about the client's chief complaint and precipitating events.
d. Complete the history and then provide measures to assist the client to breathe easier.

joneynes · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Arterial blood gas analysis reveals a low PaO2 despite increases in supplemental oxygen administration (refractory hypoxemia). Initially, the PaCO2 is low as a result of hyperventilation, but eventually the PaCO2 increases as the patient fatigues. The pH is high initially but decreases as respiratory acidosis develops.

Answer to Question 2

C
The initial presentation of the client determines the rapidity and direction for the interview. For a client in acute distress, the history should be curtailed to just a few questions about the client's chief complaint and the precipitating events.