Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia with dyspnea. The client's ABG results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 26 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The ABG results show a low pH (7.30) and high PaCO2 (50 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis, which occurs due to impaired gas exchange and carbon dioxide retention in conditions like pneumonia.