Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 86%
Simulated
The client's arterial blood gases reveal the following results; pH 7.51. PaO2 80 mmHg, PaCO2 28 mmHg, HCO3-24 mEq/L. 02 saturation 92%. The nurse interprets this blood gas result as
Correct answer
D
Rationale
pH 7.51 and low PaCO2 (28 mmHg) indicate respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation, causing excessive CO2 exhalation. Normal HCO3- rules out metabolic causes, and acidosis is incorrect due to high pH.