A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who has DKA. The client's ABG results are pH 7.30, PaCO2 34 mm Hg and HCO3 21 mEq/L. The nurse should identify that these values indicate which of the following acid-base imbalances?

The ABG results indicate metabolic acidosis. Firstly, the pH is low (<7.35), indicating acidosis. Secondly, the HCO3 is low (<22 mEq/L) which indicates a primary metabolic process. Thirdly, the PaCO2 is normal or slightly decreased, indicating a compensatory respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, the primary disorder is metabolic acidosis with partial respiratory compensation.

A: Respiratory alkalosis - Incorrect. The PaCO2 is not elevated, ruling out respiratory alkalosis.
B: Metabolic alkalosis - Incorrect. The HCO3 is low, not high, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.
D: Respiratory acidosis - Incorrect. The PaCO2 is not elevated, ruling out respiratory acidosis.