Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 95%
Simulated
The nurse reviews an arterial blood gas report for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). pH 7.35; PCO2 62; PO2 70; HCO3 34. The nurse should:
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The ABG shows compensated respiratory acidosis (normal pH, high PCO2, high HCO3) with mild hypoxemia (PO2 70). Assessing vital signs evaluates stability before escalating care. A non-rebreather mask or intubation is premature. Repositioning may help but is less urgent.