A 37 y/o black female, presents to the ER with tachypnea, and acute shortness of breath with audible wheezing. She complained of chest tightness and a constant cough. A physical exam revealed the following: HR 110, RR 40 with signs of accessory muscle use. Ausculation revealed decreased breath sounds with inspiratory and expiratory wheezing and pt was coughing up small amounts of white sputum. SaO2 was 93% on room air. An arterial blood gas (ABG) was ordered with the following results: pH 7.5, PaCO2 27, PaO2 75
Based on the above symptoms what other assessments, tests or procedures would the MD order or perform to help diagnosis the problem?
What results would you expect to find and why?
Based on your results what is the cause and pathology?
What are the patient's risk factors?