Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 63%
Simulated
A patient's arterial blood gas (ABG) results include a pH of 7.32, a PaCO2 of 56 mm Hg, and an HCO3 of 24 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance would the nurse use when developing the patient's plan of care?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH (7.32) and high PaCO2 (56 mm Hg), with normal HCO3 indicating no metabolic compensation.