Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 94%
Simulated
Which of the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results would the nurse expect if the client's condition is left untreated?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Untreated ARDS causes severe hypoxemia and CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis. Option B (pH 7.28, PaCO2 53, PaO2 55, SaO2 82%) reflects this.