Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 77%
Simulated
The nurse is working in the emergency department caring for a client with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which of the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results would be expected?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
DKA causes metabolic acidosis due to ketone accumulation, lowering pH and HCO3-. Option D (pH 7.31, HCO3- 15 mEq/L) reflects uncompensated metabolic acidosis. Options A and C show alkalosis, and B shows respiratory acidosis.