Solutions:
Mrs. Puffer most likely has ARDS along with her pneumonia.
The alkalosis need not be treated directly. Mrs. Puffer is hyperventilating to increase oxygenation, which is incidentally blowing off CO2. Improve PaO2 and a normal respiratory rate should normalize the pH.
High FiO2 can help, but if she has interstitial lung fluid, she may need intubation and PEEP, or a BiPAP to raise her PaO2. (Click here to compare BiPAP to other respiratory treatments.)
Expect orders for antibiotics, and possibly steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
Chest physiotherapy and vigorous coughing or suctioning will help the patient clear her airways of excess mucous and increase the number of functioning alveoli.