Aclient comes to the emergency department with status asthmaticus. the client's respiratory rate is 48 breaths/minute, and the client is wheezing. an arterial blood gas analysis reveals a ph of 7.52, a partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (paco₂) of 30 mm hg, pao₂ of 70 mm hg, and bicarbonate (hco₃⁻) of 26 meq/l. what disorder is indicated by these findings?
a. metabolic acidosis
b. respiratory acidosis
c. metabolic alkalosis
d. respiratory alkalosis

The answer is D: Respiratory Alkalosis.

Explanation:

Respiratory Alkalosis is as a result of alveolar hyperventilation which occurs when there is an increase in the blood pH above 7.45 and a decrease in the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO₂) to less than 35 mm Hg. This client has a pH of 7.52 and PaCO₂ of 30mm Hg.

In Respiratory acidosis pH is less than 7.35 and PaCO₂ is greater than 45mmHg.

In metabolic acidosis there is a decrease in HCO₃⁻ to less than 22mEq/L and a decrease in blood ph to less than 7.35.

In metabolic alkalosis, the HCO₃⁻ is greater than 26 mEq/L and the ph is greater than 7.45