In assessing ABGs for common symptoms, which should be selected?

Headache is often associated with acid-base imbalances in the body, making it the most pertinent symptom when assessing arterial blood gases (ABGs). Changes in blood pH can result in metabolic or respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, conditions that may cause neurological symptoms like headaches. Elevated carbon dioxide levels, for example, can result in increased intracranial pressure, prompting headaches.

The other symptoms listed, such as fever, hypertension, and increased appetite, are not directly linked to typical acid-base imbalance assessments in the context of ABGs. Fever is usually indicative of infection or inflammation rather than a direct connection to acid-base status. Hypertension, while it can coincide with underlying conditions that affect gas exchange, does not specifically indicate a metabolic or respiratory problem that would alter ABGs. Increased appetite generally does not connect to acid-base disorders and is not a significant symptom in acute evaluations of ABG results. Therefore, the presence of a headache directly relates to the need for assessment of ABG values, confirming the relevance of this symptom in the context presented.