Question

A nurse in an emergency department is caring for a client who reports abdominal pain, vomiting, and appears dehydrated. The client's ABG results are pH 7.28, PaCO2 36 mm Hg, and HCO3 14 mEq/L. Based on these findings, the nurse should identify that the client has which of the following acid-base imbalances?

A: Metabolic acidosis
B: Metabolic alkalosis
C: Respiratory acidosis
D: Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

Based on the ABG results provided, the client has metabolic acidosis. The blood pH is below the normal range, indicating acidosis, and the HCO3 value is lower than normal, indicating a deficiency of bicarbonate.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the ABG results provided, the nurse should identify that the client has metabolic acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the blood pH is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45, indicating acidosis. The pH value of 7.28 shows that the blood is more acidic than normal. The HCO3 value of 14 mEq/L is lower than the normal range of 22-28 mEq/L, indicating a deficiency of bicarbonate.