A respiratory therapist is questioning the accuracy of the ABG results obtained on a patient in the ICU. The results show a pH and PaO2 that seem unreasonably high, while the PaCO2 seems unreasonably low
Which of the following would most likely cause these erroneous results?
a. A venous sample was obtained.
b. There was excessive heparin in the blood gas syringe.
c. The sample was excessively delayed in analysis.
d. There was an air bubble in the sample.
D
An air bubble in the sample would cause an increase in the pH and PaO2 while causing a decrease in PaCO2.
Health Professions
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