Medical-Surgical Nursing 8th Edition by Donna Ignatavicius , Linda Workman

Exercise 5

The patient is a 21-year-old college student brought to the emergency department by his friends when he was found unconscious during a fraternity party. He was seen drinking heavily at the party and had not eaten for 2 days before the event. He takes no prescription drugs, and his current vital signs are: T = 97.8° F; P = 48, slightly irregular and thready; R = 28, deep and regular; BP = 88/50. His current arterial blood gas results are: pH = 7.31; HCO 3 ? = 25 mEq/L; PaCO 2 = 28 mm Hg; PaO 2 = 99 mm Hg.
What additional laboratory and assessment data should be performed? Provide a rationale for your selections.