Ace the Cough Reflex Test 2025 – Boost Your Respiratory Skills Today!

The primary purpose of conducting an arterial blood gas analysis in a patient with COPD experiencing respiratory distress is to evaluate acid-base balance. In patients with COPD, particularly during episodes of respiratory distress, there can be significant alterations in the acid-base status due to impaired gas exchange. An arterial blood gas (ABG) test provides crucial information about the patient's pH, partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and oxygen (PaO2), allowing healthcare providers to identify respiratory acidosis or metabolic disturbances that may be contributing to the patient's clinical condition.

By assessing acid-base balance, clinicians can determine whether the respiratory system is adequately compensating for elevated carbon dioxide levels and if any interventions are required to restore normal balance. Understanding the acid-base status is essential for guiding treatment and monitoring the patient's response to therapy.