A Patient Is Admitted with Acute Respiratory Failure Attributable to Pneumonia.Smoking

A patient is admitted with acute respiratory failure attributable to pneumonia.Smoking history reveals that the patient smoked two packs of cigarettes a day for 25 years,stopping 10 years ago.ABG values on the current ventilator settings are pH,7.37; PaCO₂,50 mm Hg; and HCO₃-,27 mEq/L.Chest radiograph reveals a large right pleural effusion.Intrapulmonary shunting value of 35% indicates

A) normal gas exchange of venous blood.
B) an abnormal finding indicative of a shunt-producing disorder.
C) a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
D) metabolic alkalosis.

Correct Answer:

Verified

Unlock this answer now
Get Access to more Verified Answers free of charge

Access For Free