Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal failure. The client displays the following ABG results: pH 7.24, PaCO2 44 mm Hg, PaO2 84 mm Hg, HCO3 18 mEq/L, base excess -2, and O2 saturation 95%. The nurse should conclude that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Low pH (7.24) and low HCO3 (18 mEq/L) with normal PaCO2 indicate metabolic acidosis, common in renal failure due to impaired acid excretion.