Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 65%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.3 and a PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg. The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
A pH of 7.3 (acidic) and PaCO2 of 50 mm Hg (elevated) indicate respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.