Scenario one – analysing the ABG results

That is not quite right. Have another go.

That is not quite right.

• This patient’s PaO₂ is >10kPa which means she is not hypoxaemic. However, we would expect a higher PaO₂ breathing 40% oxygen (approximately 30 kPa), suggesting impaired oxygenation
• Her pH level is 7.19 which is below the normal level (pH 7.35). This indicates that she does have an acidaemia
• Her PaCO₂ is increased well above normal. This is consistent with a low pH and therefore she does have a respiratory acidosis
• Her bicarbonate is within normal limits and her base excess is just below normal. There is no significant metabolic abnormality and so she does not have a metabolic acidosis

In summary:

This patient has an acute respiratory acidosis with impaired oxygenation. Treatment will include improving her airway and ventilation to reduce the PaCO₂, particularly as she may have a head injury.

That is not right. Have another go.

That is not right.

• This patient’s PaO₂ is >10kPa which means she is not hypoxaemic. However, we would expect a higher PaO₂ breathing 40% oxygen (approximately 30 kPa), suggesting impaired oxygenation
• Her pH level is 7.19 which is below the normal level (pH 7.35). This indicates that she does have an acidaemia
• Her PaCO₂ is increased well above normal. This is consistent with a low pH and therefore she does have a respiratory acidosis
• Her bicarbonate is within normal limits and her base excess is just below normal. There is no significant metabolic abnormality and so she does not have a metabolic acidosis

In summary:

This patient has an acute respiratory acidosis with impaired oxygenation. Treatment will include improving her airway and ventilation to reduce the PaCO₂, particularly as she may have a head injury.

That is right.

• This patient’s PaO₂ is >10kPa which means she is not hypoxaemic. However, we would expect a higher PaO₂ breathing 40% oxygen (approximately 30 kPa), suggesting impaired oxygenation
• Her pH level is 7.19 which is below the normal level (pH 7.35). This indicates that she does have an acidaemia
• Her PaCO₂ is increased well above normal. This is consistent with a low pH and therefore she does have a respiratory acidosis
• Her bicarbonate is within normal limits and her base excess is just below normal. There is no significant metabolic abnormality and so she does not have a metabolic acidosis

In summary:

This patient has an acute respiratory acidosis with impaired oxygenation. Treatment will include improving her airway and ventilation to reduce the PaCO₂, particularly as she may have a head injury.