Answer:
Option A
Explanation:
In an alkalotic state, a patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) will characteristically yield a pH value greater than the expected 7.35 to 7.45 range, indicating that the patient's blood is currently more basic than normal. An increased pH is the first diagnostic clue for the nurse to identify. This rules out options C and D.
In metabolic alkalosis, the patient's serum bicarbonate (HCO₃-) will be markedly increased from the expected range of 22-26 mEq/L. However, the given question is asking for what occurs during respiratory alkalosis, which is just the opposite here. The patient's bicarbonate levels decrease as the patient attempts to compensate for the basic nature of their blood; HCO₃- is basic, so it must be lowered in order to move closer to the expected pH range. The kidneys do this by increase the amounts of this electrolyte excreted via urine, hence renal compensation. This rules out option B.
Therefore, the nurse would determine the patient with respiratory alkalosis and renal compensation by observing ABG results that yield a decreased PCO₂ and decreased HCO₃-, with increased pH, option A.