20. A nursing student asks an RN to explain the results of a client's arterial blood gases. The results are: pH 7.43; PaCO2 30 mm Hg; and HCO3 18 mEq/L. The nurse knows the client's acid-base status is:
20. A nursing student asks an RN to explain the results of a client's arterial blood gases. The results are: pH 7.43; PaCO2 30 mm Hg; and HCO3 18 mEq/L. The nurse knows the client's acid-base status is:
. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis.
. Compensated respiratory alkalosis.
. Uncompensated metabolic alkalosis.
. Compensated metabolic acidosis.
Test-Taking Tip
Remember that the body never overcorrects when the pH returns from an acidosis or alkalosis. Interpret pH first.
Content Area: Adult Health, Acid-Base; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Analysis; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Physiological Adaptation/Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalances
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Answer 1 is incorrect because the pH is within normal limits, which indicates compensation. Answer 2 is correct because the pH is within normal limits, which reflects compensation. The body never overcompensates; therefore, the problem is an alkalosis because the pH is on the alkaline side of 7.4 and the CO2 is low. Answer 3 is incorrect because the pH is within normal limits, which indicates compensation. Answer 4 is incorrect because the pH shows compensation for an alkalosis problem, not acidosis. ABG values in the stem of the question show a respiratory problem because the CO2 is low. If it were a metabolic problem, the HCO3 would be above 26.