A patient's arterial blood gases are pH 7.29, HCO₃-24 mEq/L, PO₂ 74, PCO₂ 52 mm Hg.A nurse assessing this patient should observe for signs and symptoms of:

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The patient's arterial blood gases indicate a pH below the normal range (7.35-7.45), suggesting acidosis. The elevated PCO2 (above the normal range of 35-45 mm Hg) points towards respiratory acidosis, as it indicates CO2 retention, a common cause of acidosis through respiratory mechanisms.

A Patient's Arterial Blood Gases Are PH 7