In an arterial blood gas, which of the following will provide a more accurate indication of respiratory acidosis? [1 mark]
Understand the Problem
The question is asking which component of arterial blood gas is most indicative of respiratory acidosis. It presents multiple choices to select from.
Answer
Carbon dioxide (PaCO2).
The more accurate indication of respiratory acidosis in an arterial blood gas is carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels.
Answer for screen readers
The more accurate indication of respiratory acidosis in an arterial blood gas is carbon dioxide (PaCO2) levels.
More Information
Respiratory acidosis is primarily indicated by an increase in PaCO2, which represents carbon dioxide retention, leading to a decrease in blood pH.
Tips
Confusing PaCO2 with oxygen concentration or base excess. Focus on PaCO2 as the key indicator of respiratory conditions.
Sources
- Arterial Blood Gas - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Arterial Blood Gases - Physiopedia - physio-pedia.com
- ABG Interpretation for Nurses - Respiratory Acidosis - Level Up RN - leveluprn.com
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