The nurse is providing care to patient with the following laboratory values: pH 7.31; PaCO₂ 48 mm Hg; and HCO₃ 24 mEq/L. The nurse correlates these values to which acid-base disorder?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The laboratory values indicate a pH lower than the normal range (7.35-7.45), suggesting acidosis. The elevated PaCO2 (normal range is 35-45 mm Hg) points to a respiratory cause, as CO2 retention contributes to acidosis. The HCO3- level is slightly low but within a compensatory range, further supporting respiratory acidosis as the primary disorder.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to Patient with the Following