Case Study

Jane Doe, a 50-year-old female, was shot in the right side of her chest. She is currently in the progressive care unit. Her arterial blood gases are as follows: pH - 7.30 PaO2 - 88 mmHg PaCO2 - 50 mmHg Bicarbonate - 26 mEq/L Lactate - 5 mg/dL 1. Does Ms. Doe have an acid-base imbalance? If so, what type of imbalance? 2. What likely caused Ms. Doe to have this condition? Ms. Doe's condition continues to deteriorate. 3. What actions should be taken to restore Ms. Doe's acid-base balance? 4. With which member of the interprofessional health care team should the nurse collaborate to address Ms. Doe's gas exchange needs?