What acid-base disturbance is suggested by a client’s ABG results showing a pH of 7.51 and PCO2 of 31 mm Hg?

What acid-base disturbance is suggested by a client’s ABG results showing a pH of 7.51 and PCO2 of 31 mm Hg?

• A. Respiratory acidosis
• B. Metabolic acidosis
• C. Respiratory alkalosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Answer: (C)

The ABG results indicate a pH of 7.51, which is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, suggesting alkalosis. Additionally, the PCO2 of 31 mm Hg is below the normal range of 35 to 45 mm Hg, indicative of a respiratory contribution to this alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, there is a decrease in carbon dioxide in the blood due to hyperventilation or other causes that lead to increased breathing rate or depth. This decrease in PCO2 results in a compensatory rise in pH, which aligns with the elevated pH seen in this case. The condition suggests that the body is compensating for some other issue, or that respiratory factors are directly causing the alkalosis. Considering the specific combination of elevated pH and low PCO2, this data distinctly points to respiratory alkalosis being the correct interpretation of the acid-base disturbance present in the client’s ABG results.

The ABG results indicate a pH of 7.51, which is higher than the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45, suggesting alkalosis. Additionally, the PCO2 of 31 mm Hg is below the normal range of 35 to 45 mm Hg, indicative of a respiratory contribution to this alkalosis.

In respiratory alkalosis, there is a decrease in carbon dioxide in the blood due to hyperventilation or other causes that lead to increased breathing rate or depth. This decrease in PCO2 results in a compensatory rise in pH, which aligns with the elevated pH seen in this case. The condition suggests that the body is compensating for some other issue, or that respiratory factors are directly causing the alkalosis.

Considering the specific combination of elevated pH and low PCO2, this data distinctly points to respiratory alkalosis being the correct interpretation of the acid-base disturbance present in the client’s ABG results.