Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 231 of 2368
Which arterial blood gas result is a critical value that the nurse should report immediately?
- PaCO2 of 38 mmHg
- HCO3 of 24 mEq/L
- PaO2 of 55 mmHg
- pH of 7.32
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Correct answer: PaO2 of 55 mmHg
A PaO2 below 60 mmHg is critical. The other results are normal or not yet critical.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: PaO2. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026