Answer to Question 1
Correct Answer: 4
Elderly patients will have an increased residual capacity (normal 2400 mL) and a decreased vital capacity (normal 4800 mL) because of normal age-related changes of calcification of the costal cartilage and weakening of the intercostal muscles, vertebral osteoporosis, and diaphragmatic flattening and loss of elasticity. A child, an adolescent, or healthy middle-aged patient will not have these changes and will have PFTs within normal limits.
Answer to Question 2
Correct Answer: 3
The patient is in respiratory acidosis as the pH is decreased below the normal (7.357.45) and the PaCO2 is increased from normal (3545 mmHg). The other ABG results are within normal limits. The PaO2 is 75100 mmHg, HCO3 is 2428 mEq/L, and the base excess (BE) is 2 mEq/L.