The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with the early stages of septic shock.The nurse assesses the patient to be tachypneic,with a respiratory rate of 32 breaths/min.Arterial blood gas values assessed on admission are pH 7.50,CO₂ 28 mm Hg,HCO₃ 26.Which diagnostic study result reviewed by the nurse indicates progression of the shock state? A) pH 7.40, CO₂ 40, HCO₃ 24 B) pH 7.45, CO₂ 45, HCO₃ 26 C) pH 7.35, CO₂ 40, HCO₃ 22 D) pH 7.30, CO₂ 45, HCO₃ 18

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As shock progresses along the continuum,acidosis ensues,caused by metabolic acidosis,hypoxia,and anaerobic metabolism.A pH 7.30,CO₂ 45 mm Hg,HCO₃ 18 indicates metabolic acidosis and progression to a late stage of shock.All other listed arterial blood gas values are within normal limits.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Admitted with the Early