Question

a nurse is caring for a client who has a high fever and is hyperventilating. the clients abg results are ph 7.51, paco₂ 28 mm hg, and hco₃⁻ 24 meq/l. the nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid - base imbalances?
respiratory acidosis
respiratory alkalosis
metabolic acidosis
metabolic alkalosis

Explanation:

• pH value analysis: The normal pH range is \(7.35 - 7.45\). A pH of \(7.51\) indicates alkalosis.
• Cause determination: Hyperventilation causes excessive loss of \(CO_2\). Since \(PaCO_2\) (\(28\space mm Hg\), normal \(35 - 45\space mm Hg\)) is decreased and \(HCO_3^-\) (\(24\space mEq/L\), normal \(22 - 26\space mEq/L\)) is within normal range, the primary cause is respiratory (related to \(CO_2\) loss from hyperventilation).

Answer:

Respiratory alkalosis