Question

You are providing care to a client with the following blood gas results: pH 7.32 CO2 49, HCO3 29, PO 80 and SaO2 90%. Based on these results, the client is experiencing:

Answer 1

The client is experiencing respiratory acidosis based on the blood gas results provided. There is evidence of compensation as well.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the blood gas results provided, the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis.

An arterial blood pH of 7.32 indicates acidosis, as it is below the normal range of 7.35-7.45.

The elevated CO2 level of 49 suggests that there is too much carbon dioxide in the blood, which is a characteristic of respiratory acidosis.

There is also evidence of compensation as the total HCO3 level is higher than normal, indicating the kidneys' attempt to restore the acid-base balance.