A client has the following arterial blood results: pH 7.12,HCO₃^- 22 mEq/L,PCO₂ 65 mm Hg,PO₂ 56 mm Hg.The nurse correlates these values with which clinical situation?

Question

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Arterial blood gas values indicate that the client is in acidosis and has normal levels of bicarbonate,suggesting that the problem is not metabolic.Arterial concentrations of oxygen and carbon dioxide are abnormal,with low oxygen and high carbon dioxide levels.Thus,this client has respiratory acidosis from inadequate gas exchange.The fact that the bicarbonate level is normal indicates that this is an acute respiratory problem rather than a chronic problem,because no renal compensation has occurred.

A Client Has the Following Arterial Blood Results: PH 7