A client presents to the emergency room with cyanosis, coughing, tachypnea, and tachycardia. She has a history of asthma. Arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO2 54, PaCO2 60, and HCO3 24.

A client presents to the emergency room with cyanosis, coughing, tachypnea, and tachycardia. She has a history of asthma. Arterial blood gas values are pH 7.28, PaO2 54, PaCO2 60, and HCO3 24.

The nursing assessment of arterial blood gases indicate the presence of:
A . Respiratory alkalosis
B . Respiratory acidosis
C . Metabolic alkalosis
D . Metabolic acidosis

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

(A) Respiratory alkalosis is determined by elevated pH and low PaCO2.

(B) Respiratory acidosis is determined by low pH and elevated PaCO2.

(C) Metabolic alkalosis is determined by elevated pH and HCO3.

(D) Metabolic acidosis is determined by low pH and HCO3.