Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values for a client. The pH is 7.32, PaCO2 48 mm Hg, and the HCO3 is 23 mEq/L. The nurse should recognize that these findings indicate which of the following acid-base balances?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Respiratory acidosis. The pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The PaCO2 is elevated (normal range 35-45 mm Hg), suggesting respiratory involvement. The HCO3 is within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L) which rules out metabolic causes. In respiratory acidosis, the lungs are unable to eliminate enough CO2, leading to carbonic acid accumulation, thus lowering the pH. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the pH, PaCO2, and HCO3 values do not align with metabolic alkalosis, respiratory alkalosis, or metabolic acidosis, respectively.