Author Question: The total carbon dioxide (CO2) value is linked to what electrolyte in the blood serum? a. Sodium ... (Read 88 times)

dmcintosh · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

The total carbon dioxide (CO2) value is linked to what electrolyte in the blood serum?

a. Sodium
b. Potassium
c. Bicarbonate
d. Chloride

Question 2

In which of the following clinical settings would hypokalemia be a significant problem?

a. During weaning from mechanical ventila-tion
b. In a patient with pleural effusion
c. In a patient with kyphoscoliosis
d. During a bronchial challenge test

huda · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
The total CO2 represents the level of HCO3 in venous blood.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
The potassium level is of particular interest in the patient being weaned from mechanical ventila-tion, because both hyperkalemia and hypokalemia may render the diaphragm weak and less ef-fective.