NURSING ANM AND GNM

Detailed explanation-1: -When the pH and paCO2 change in the same direction (which normally should not), the primary problem is metabolic; when pH and paCO2 move in opposite directions and paCO2 is normal, then the primary problem is respiratory.

Detailed explanation-2: -Respiratory acidosis typically occurs due to failure of ventilation and accumulation of carbon dioxide. The primary disturbance is an elevated arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) and a decreased ratio of arterial bicarbonate to arterial pCO2, which results in a decrease in the pH of the blood.

Detailed explanation-3: -The PaCO2 indicates whether the acidosis or alkalemia is primarily from a respiratory or metabolic acidosis/alkalosis.

Detailed explanation-4: -An abnormal pH level with PaCO2 and HCO3 levels that are also abnormal in the same direction indicates partial compensation.