Question

A 65-year-old male admitted to the unit with a severe asthma attack. He has been experiencing shortness of breath since admission several hours ago. An ABG is ordered with these results:

Patient: Test Patient 1

Date:      April 10, 2007          1000

pH                   7.20

PaCO₂             58

HCO₃^-             24

pH	PCO2	HCO3-

Patient is in _____________________________________

Interventions may include: ________________________________________________

Answer 1

The 65 year old man is experiencing state of acidosis . His blood pH is 7.20 while the normal range of pH is 7.35 to 7.45. If pH is less than 7.35 , then the blood is said to be acidic.

PaCO2 is 58 km Hg while the normal range is 35 to 45 mm Hg showing increased PaCO2 levels indicating Respiratory acidosis .

HCO3 - Bicarbonate levels are 24 mm Hg while the normal value is 35 to 45 mm Hg indicating Metabolic acidosis .

INTERVENTIONS :

Here , this man is suffering from asthma and is hypoventilating causing hypercapnea that is increased levels of carbon dioxide in the blood. Therefore , high level of oxygen is given through CPAP or BiPAP ( Continuous Poisitive Airway Pressure) . Corticosteroids and bronchodilators are given to increase the oxygen flow as it causes bronchodilation and releases any constricted airways.

Intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate is given to correct and balance the increased levels of acid in the blood.

Thank you.