ATI Respiratory Exam 2| AGB Interpretation and Clinical Signals| Verified Questions and Answers|

ATI Respiratory Exam 2| AGB Interpretation and Clinical Signals| Verified Questions and Answers| A patient’s ABG shows: pH 7.30, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 24. What type of imbalance is this, and what might be causing it? Respiratory acidosis – probably due to hypoventilation. Could be from COPD, opioid overdose, or even post-op sedation where they’re not breathing deeply. A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected metabolic alkalosis. What ABG values would confirm this? pH above 7.45 and HCO₃⁻ above 26. PaCO₂ might be slightly raised too if the lungs are trying to compensate. What’s a red flag in a patient with COPD who suddenly becomes very drowsy and has PaCO₂ of 70 mmHg? CO₂ narcosis – the high CO₂ is depressing their CNS. This is an emergency; they might need BiPAP or ICU. Why would a nurse be concerned if a patient with a chest injury has absent breath sounds on one side and tracheal deviation? Could be a tension pneumothorax. The air is pushing everything over – need urgent chest decompression. 2 A patient’s ABG: pH 7.50, PaCO₂ 30, HCO₃⁻ 24. What’s going on here? Respiratory alkalosis – probably hyperventilating from anxiety or pain. Breathing too fast blows off CO₂. A nurse notices a patient with pneumonia is using accessory muscles and has a rising respiratory rate. What might this signal? Early respiratory distress – they’re working hard to breathe. Might tire out soon, so act before that happens. If a diabetic patient presents with Kussmaul respirations and fruity breath, what ABG results do you expect? Metabolic acidosis (low pH, low HCO₃⁻) – classic for DKA. The deep breathing is the body trying to get rid of acid. How can you tell from an ABG if the kidneys are compensating for respiratory acidosis? HCO₃⁻ will be elevated – kidneys try to balance the low pH by holding onto bicarb. You’re reviewing ABGs for a post-op patient: pH 7.33, PaCO₂ 45, HCO₃⁻ 20. What does this show? Metabolic acidosis – the low bicarb is dragging the pH down. Could be from blood loss, diarrhea, or sepsis. 3 Why might someone with a panic attack have tingling in their fingers and around their mouth? They’re blowing off too much CO₂ → respiratory alkalosis → low calcium levels → paresthesia. What is the priority action if a patient with asthma suddenly has silent chest and low SpO₂?