A patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which organ ...

[NClaborn]

A patient is experiencing respiratory acidosis. Which organ system is responsible for compensation in this patient?
 
  a. Renal
  b. Endocrine
  c. Respiratory
  d. Gastrointestinal

Question 2

Which blood gas result will the nurse expect to observe in a patient with respiratory alkalosis?
 
  a. pH 7.60, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3 30 mEq/L
  b. pH 7.53, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L
  c. pH 7.35, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L
  d. pH 7.25, PaCO2 48 mm Hg, HCO3 23 mEq/L

[Li Jun]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The kidneys (renal) are responsible for respiratory acidosis compensation. A problem with the respiratory system causes respiratory acidosis, so another organ system (renal) needs to compensate. Problems with the gastrointestinal and endocrine systems can cause acid-base imbalances, but these systems cannot compensate for an existing imbalance.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
Respiratory alkalosis should show an alkalotic pH and decreased CO2 (respiratory) values, with a normal HCO3. In this case, pH 7.53 is alkaline (normal = 7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 is 30 (normal 35 to 45 mm Hg), and HCO3 is 24 (normal = 22 to 26 mEq/L). A result of pH 7.60, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, HCO3 30 mEq/L is metabolic alkalosis. pH 7.35, PaCO2 35 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L is within normal limits. pH 7.25, PaCO2 48 mm Hg, HCO3 23 mEq/L is respiratory acidosis.