Question

The nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values of a client and notes that the pH is 7.31 (7.31), PCO₂is 50 mm Hg (50 mm Hg), and the bicarbonate (HCO₃) level is 26 mEq/L (26 mmol/L). The nurse concludes that which acid-base disturbance is present in this client?

1) Metabolic acidosis
2) Metabolic alkalosis
3) Respiratory acidosis
4) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

The client is experiencing respiratory acidosis (option 3)with some level of compensation, as evidenced by an elevated PCO₂ and a bicarbonate level that remains within normal range.

Step-by-step explanation:

The arterial blood gas values of a patient with a pH of 7.31, PCO₂ of 50 mm Hg, and bicarbonate level of 26 mEq/L suggest a disturbance in acid-base balance. Given that the normal pH range is 7.35-7.45, a pH of 7.31 indicates acidosis. When PCO₂ is elevated (>48 mm Hg for males) and bicarbonate (HCO₃-) is within the typical range (22-29 mM), this indicates respiratory acidosis. Additionally, the higher HCO₃- suggests that some compensatory mechanism has occurred to try to counteract the acidosis. Respiratory acidosis is often related to conditions that impair gas exchange or lung function, such as asthma, in which excess CO₂ cannot be effectively eliminated through respiration.