Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 80%
Simulated
The nurse is caring for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who is currently receiving mechanical ventilation. After reviewing the client's arterial blood gas (ABG), the nurse identifies this ABG as Laboratory: pH 7.24 [7.35-7.45], PaCO2 48 mm Hg [35-45 mm Hg], HCO3 23 mEq/L [22-28 mEq/L], PaO2 90 mm Hg [80-100 mm Hg]
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The ABG shows low pH (7.24) and elevated PaCO2 (48 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis (D) due to CO2 retention, common in COPD. HCO3 is normal, suggesting no compensation.