Question

A client has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) values: pH, 7.12; partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2), 40 mm Hg; and bicarbonate (HCO3–), 15 mEq/L. These ABG values suggest which disorder?

Answer 1

Most likely a mixed acidosis

Step-by-step explanation:

Mixed acidosis is when you have metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis, the concentration of bicarbonate, that must be between 19.1 and 24.7, is 15, so it is below the lesser value. The partial pressure of carbon dioxide should be between 28.3 and 38.7, and client's partial pressure of carbon dioxide is slightly above the upper limit. Finally, pH sould be between 7.39 and 7.47, and client's pH is below the lesser limit. This all means that the blood is too acid.