Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 81%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following arterial blood gas results: HCO, 20 mEq, PaCO2 40 mm Hg and pH 7.32. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing which of the following acid base imbalances?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low HCOÔéâ level (below 22 mEq/L) and low pH, consistent with the given values.