Could anyone clarify this ABG question for a pregnant woman?

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6. A client in active labor is using a fast-panting breathing technique to help her control the pain. This client is at risk for developing:

1. Metabolic acidocis

2. Metabolic alkalosis

3. Respiratory acidosis

4. Respiratory alkalosis

The answer is respiratory acidosis. Is it because the breaths are shallow?

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Think about fast breathing....what is happening? They are hyperventilating right? What happens with hyperventilation? You blow off too much CO2...what happens when you blow off too much CO2?

Now tell me why you think it's respiratory alkalosis.....

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Well I got the answer right, but my friend brought up an interesting point which confused me. He said if the PT is hyperventilating and blowing off too much CO2 then they should be in respiratory alkalosis because their blood pH should be going high.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

I see....I thought you answered acidosis and it was wrong and you wanted to know why.

well if you consider fast shallow breathing will lead to hypoventilation there by increasing CO2 then yes it's respiratory acidosis.

I have seen far more patients develop Hyperventilation syndrome....but I can see from decreased lung volume and shallow breaths acidosis could occur

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6. A client in active labor is using a fast-panting breathing technique to help her control the pain. This client is at risk for developing:

1. Metabolic acidocis

2. Metabolic alkalosis

3. Respiratory acidosis

4. Respiratory alkalosis

The answer is respiratory acidosis. Is it because the breaths are shallow?

No, it's because somebody carelessly put the wrong answer in the answer key. The answer lies in your understanding of what happens in hyperventilation. Your friend is right. The correct answer is respiratory alkalosis.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
No, it's because somebody carelessly put the wrong answer in the answer key. The answer lies in your understanding of what happens in hyperventilation. Your friend is right. The correct answer is respiratory alkalosis.
no kidding right...so I looked it up. This question is repeated in a few books...all giving acidosis...who knew?

And we wonder why new grads are confused.:facepalm:

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