Technician Sally's anesthetized patient has a respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis on arterial blood gas analysis. Which acidosis should be treated first?
A)Respiratory acidosis
B)Metabolic acidosis
C)They can be treated together.
D)Nothing can be done until the patient is recovered.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The respiratory acidosis should always be treated first as the metabolic acidosis may be a direct result of lack of proper ventilation. The treatment of the metabolic acidosis medically will produce more arterial CO₂.

Technician Sally's Anesthetized Patient Has a Respiratory Acidosis and Metabolic