The nurse is providing care to patient with the following laboratory values: pH - 7.31;PaCO₂ - 48 mmHg;and a normal HCO₃.Which condition should the nurse plan care for based on the current data?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's pH is below the normal range (7.35-7.45), indicating acidosis. The elevated PaCO2 (normal range: 35-45 mmHg) suggests that the acidosis is due to a respiratory issue, as CO2 retention is causing the acidosis. The normal HCO3- indicates that there is no metabolic compensation occurring.

The Nurse Is Providing Care to Patient with the Following