The nurse is reviewing a patient's arterial blood gas results. Which condition should the nurse suspect is developing in this patient? $$\begin{array} { | l | l |}
\hline \text { Laboratory Value } & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } _ { 2 } & 40 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.3 \
\hline \mathrm { HCO } _ { 3 } & 18 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L }\
\hline
\end{array}$$

Question

The nurse is reviewing a patient's arterial blood gas results. Which condition should the nurse suspect is developing in this patient? $$\begin{array} { | l | l |} 
\hline \text { Laboratory Value } & \text { Patient Results } \
\hline \mathrm { PaCO } _ { 2 } & 40 \mathrm { mmHg } \
\hline \mathrm { pH } & 7.3 \
\hline \mathrm { HCO } _ { 3 } & 18 \mathrm { mEq } / \mathrm { L }\
\hline
\end{array}$$

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.3 (indicating acidosis), a PaCO2 of 40 mmHg (which is normal), and an HCO3- of 18 mEq/L (indicating a decrease). These results suggest metabolic acidosis, as the primary issue is with the bicarbonate level (HCO3-), not the carbon dioxide level (PaCO2).

The Nurse Is Reviewing a Patient's Arterial Blood Gas Results