Practice Question
A nurse is reviewing a client’s laboratory report of arterial blood gas (ABG) findings: pH 7.28, HCO3 18 mEq/L and PaCO2 36 mm Hg. Which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate when interpreting these findings?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Metabolic acidosis
Rationale:
🔷 The pH of 7.28 is below the normal range (7.35–7.45), indicating acidosis.
🔷 The HCO₃⁻ level of 18 mEq/L is decreased (normal: 22–26 mEq/L), which points to a metabolic origin of the acidosis.
🔷 The PaCO₂ of 36 mm Hg is within normal range (35–45 mm Hg), which rules out a primary respiratory cause.
🔷 In metabolic acidosis, the body either produces too much acid (e.g., in DKA) or loses too much bicarbonate (e.g., in diarrhea).
🔷 Compensation may occur via respiratory mechanisms, but this ABG shows uncompensated metabolic acidosis.
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This question is from Custom: NUR105_Midpoint assessment_SU2 which contains 28 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN Custom Exam(s)
- Answer Choices: 4