The nurse is caring for a patient who has just been found in respiratory arrest.Which laboratory values will the RN expect to find in the patient's chart?

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Normal arterial blood pH value is 7.35 to 7.45 (acidic is less than 7.35,and alkalotic is greater than 7.45).Respiratory acidosis is an increased PaCO₂ and an increased hydrogen ion concentration (pH below 7.35)that reflect the excess carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)in the blood.Hypoventilation produces respiratory acidosis.The elevated PaCO₂ level is a result of the patient not breathing (normal range is 35 to 45 mm Hg).The low PaO₂ is also a result of not breathing (normal range is 80 to 100 mm Hg).The low HCO₃⁻ is not expected as a result of respiratory arrest (normal range is 22 to 26 mEq/L).

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Just