What is the interpretation of ABGs from a chronic COPD patient that reveal pH 7.37, PaCO2 51, HCO3 37, PaO2 69 and appropriate plan of care?
Explanation
Answer: D - ABGs that reveal pH 7.37, PaCO2 51, HCO3 37, PaO2 69 are interpreted as compensated respiratory acidosis. The patient is unable to rid CO2, so ventilation is recommended.
The patient’s pH is low normal, PaCO2 is very high, HCO3 is very high. The patient is in compensated respiratory acidosis. If these gases are drawn from a COPD patient or chronic smoker, the hypoxemia is secondary to those issues. The elevated bicarb is normal for the patient so supplemental oxygen at a low rate and additional monitoring are recommended, not intubation.
