Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

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What acid-base imbalance is present in the following ABG: pH = 7.48, CO2 = 30, HCO3 = 24?

  1. Respiratory acidosis

  2. Metabolic acidosis

  3. Respiratory alkalosis

  4. Metabolic alkalosis

The correct answer is: Respiratory alkalosis

The correct identification of respiratory alkalosis is based on the values provided in the arterial blood gas (ABG) results. A pH value of 7.48 indicates that the blood is more alkaline than the normal range (7.35-7.45). This increased pH points towards alkalosis. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) at 30 mmHg shows that it is below the normal range (35-45 mmHg), which suggests that the patient is exhaling more CO2 than is being produced by the body. Lower levels of CO2 lead to a decrease in carbonic acid, contributing to an alkaline state. The bicarbonate (HCO3) level is 24 mEq/L, which falls within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L). This means that the bicarbonate levels are not contributing significantly to the acid-base balance in this case. When combined, these values support the conclusion of respiratory alkalosis. The low CO2 indicates hyperventilation or some other respiratory issue that leads to excessive loss of carbon dioxide. As CO2 levels drop, the pH rises, creating an alkaline state but without an additional metabolic contribution from bicarbonate. Overall, the abnormal p

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