Receiving a client's ABG report with pH of 7.40, PaCO₂ of 55 mm Hg, and bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L, the nurse interprets these values to indicate A) erroneous blood gas data. B) metabolic alkalosis. C) mixed acid-base disorder. D) respiratory alkalosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse should suspect sampling error or transcription error when the reported values lack internal consistency or external congruity. Internal consistency means that the values make sense when considered as a whole. External congruity means that the ABG findings are consistent with other laboratory data and with clinical assessment findings. In this case the PaCO₂ is high, indicating an acidotic state. The pH is within normal range, which would indicate compensation, except the bicarbonate level is actually low, showing that no compensation is occurring to maintain normal pH in the presence of a high PaCO₂. This would lead the nurse to conclude that the ABG results are in error.

Receiving a Client's ABG Report with PH of 7