You are caring for a client with shock. You are concerned about hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis with your client. What finding should you analyze for evidence of hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis in a client with shock?
A) Serum thyroid level findings
B) Arterial blood gas (ABG) findings
C) Red blood cells (RBCs) and hemoglobin count findings
D) White blood cell count findings

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arterial blood gas (ABG) findings would provide the best evidence of hypoxemia and metabolic acidosis, as ABGs directly measure the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood as well as the pH and bicarbonate levels, which indicate acid-base balance. Serum thyroid level findings, RBCs and hemoglobin count findings, and white blood cell count findings would not provide specific evidence of hypoxemia or metabolic acidosis in a client with shock.

You Are Caring for a Client with Shock