Physiological AdaptationQuestion 103 of 120
A nurse reviews an arterial blood gas: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret this?
a.Metabolic acidosis
b.Respiratory alkalosis
c.Respiratory acidosis
d.Metabolic alkalosis
Explanation
A low pH with an elevated PaCO2 and a normal bicarbonate indicates uncompensated respiratory acidosis, often from hypoventilation.
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