A client is admitted to the emergency department (ED) in respiratory distress. The results of the arterial blood gases are the following: pH = 7.30; partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂)= 40; bicarbonate (HCO₃) = 19 mEq/L; partial pressure of oxygen (PO₂) = 80. The nurse interprets the findings as which of the following? A)Respiratory acidosis with normal oxygen levels B)Respiratory alkalosis with hypoxia C)Metabolic acidosis with normal oxygen levels D)Metabolic alkalosis with hypoxia

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The arterial blood gas (ABG) results show a pH of 7.30 (indicating acidosis), a normal partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) of 40 mmHg (indicating that the respiratory system is not the primary cause of the acidosis), a decreased bicarbonate (HCO3) level of 19 mEq/L (indicating a metabolic cause for the acidosis), and a partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) of 80 mmHg (which is within the normal range, indicating normal oxygen levels). Therefore, the correct interpretation is metabolic acidosis with normal oxygen levels.

A Client Is Admitted to the Emergency Department (ED) in Respiratory