a nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client and notes the following arterial blood gas (abg)…

a nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client and notes the following arterial blood gas (abg) values: ph 7.31, paco₂ 49 mm hg, and hco₃⁻ 25 meq/l. the nurse should interpret these findings as an indication of which of the following acid-base imbalances?\nmetabolic acidosis\nrespiratory acidosis\nmetabolic alkalosis\nrespiratory alkalosis

a nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client and notes the following arterial blood gas (abg) values: ph 7.31, paco₂ 49 mm hg, and hco₃⁻ 25 meq/l. the nurse should interpret these findings as an indication of which of the following acid-base imbalances?\nmetabolic acidosis\nrespiratory acidosis\nmetabolic alkalosis\nrespiratory alkalosis

Answer

Brief Explanations:

  1. First, identify normal ABG ranges: Normal pH is 7.35-7.45, normal PaCO₂ is 35-45 mm Hg, normal HCO₃⁻ is 22-26 mEq/L.
  2. Analyze the given values: pH 7.31 is below normal (acidic), PaCO₂ 49 mm Hg is above normal (elevated carbon dioxide, a respiratory acid), and HCO₃⁻ 25 mEq/L is within normal range.
  3. Elevated PaCO₂ causes a decrease in pH, and the bicarbonate level is not elevated to compensate, indicating an uncompensated respiratory acidosis.

Answer:

B. Respiratory acidosis