Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
Simulated
The nurse should recognize that the client is experiencing which acid-base imbalance? Laboratory: pH 7.30 [7.35-7.45], PaCO2 58 mm Hg [35-45 mm Hg], HCO3 29 mEq/L [22-28 mEq/L], PaO2 91 mm Hg [80-100 mm Hg]
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Low pH (7.30) and high PaCO2 (58 mm Hg) indicate respiratory acidosis. Elevated HCO3- (29 mEq/L) suggests partial compensation (A), as pH is not normalized.