PANCE Exam Practice Questions: Quiz 59

A patient is 2 days post bilateral ureterosigmoidostomy for bladder resection due to cancer. He complains of increasing shortness of breath. The patient denies cough, chest pain, or fever. Physical examination is unremarkable except for an increased respiratory rate of 30/minute. Labs include Na 132 mEq/L, K 5.6 mEq/L, Cl 127 mEq/L, and CO2 20 mEq/L. Arterial blood gas reveals pH 7.28, PO2 98 mm Hg, PCO2 22 mm Hg, and HCO3 13 mEq/L. What is the most likely acid–base status?
- A. metabolic acidosis
- B. metabolic alkalosis
- C. respiratory acidosis
- D. respiratory alkalosis

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