Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show a pH of 7.3 and a PaCO₂ of 50 mm Hg. The nurse should identify that the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
Respiratory acidosis
Rationale:
🔹A pH of 7.30 (acidic) and a PaCO₂ of 50 mm Hg (elevated) indicate respiratory acidosis, which results from hypoventilation and CO₂ retention.
🔹 CO₂ is an acidic gas, and its accumulation lowers blood pH.
🔹 Common causes include respiratory depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or drug overdose.
🔹 This imbalance reflects impaired gas exchange or inadequate ventilation, requiring interventions to improve respiratory function.
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This question is from RN Medsurg Moncollege Exam which contains 43 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI MedSurg
- Answer Choices: 4