Jenny Schneider's Lab Tests

Questions:

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1. From which site would you take blood for an ABG analysis?

Antecubital fossa (median cubital vein)

Groin (femoral artery)

Wrist (radial artery)

2. Now let's evaluate Ms. Schneider's arterial blood gases. What is her acid-base status?

Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

3. Describe the primary compensatory mechanism for each condition:

Metabolic acidosis:

Metabolic alkalosis:

Respiratory acidosis:

Respiratory alkalosis:

4. The majority of carbon dioxide is transported in the body by:

Dissolved in plasma

Chemically bound to hemoglobin in red blood cells

As bicarbonate ion in plasma

As carbonic acid

5. The hyperlucent areas of Ms. Schneiders's lungs are consistent with hyperinflation. Which of the following mechanisms would best describe the pathogenesis of her condition?

Lung obstruction

Loss of lung elasticity

Loss of lung compliance

Pulmonary hypertension

6. Ms. Schneider was surprised to see how "well" she did on the spirometry test of pulmonary function. "Oh, my!" she said. "I blew the lid off that thing!" Please explain how emphysema causes INCREASED residual volume and total lung capacity.

7. Describe the pathophysiologic changes in the lungs with emphysema and explain how these affect oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the blood.

Bonus point: Why was the alpha-1 antitrypsin test included? What did the results tell you?

Fortunately, Ms. Schneider did not have to undergo a biopsy of her lungs. However, here are some examples of some of the changes associated with long term smoking, bronchitis, and emphysema:

• Smoker's lung
• Emphysema lung (gross)
• Emphysema lung (microscopic)