A Patient Who Was Involved in a Motor Vehicle Crash

Multiple Choice

A patient who was involved in a motor vehicle crash has had a tracheostomy placed to allow for continued mechanical ventilation.How should the nurse interpret the following arterial blood gas results: pH 7.48,PaCO₂ 85 mm Hg,PaCO₂ 32 mm Hg,and HCO₃ 25 mEq/L?

A) Metabolic acidosis
B) Metabolic alkalosis
C) Respiratory acidosis
D) Respiratory alkalosis