Arterial blood gases are obtained for the client. The client's results (pH, 7.48; CO2, 42 mm Hg; HCO3, 32 mmol/L) indicate which one of the following acid–base imbalances?

Question

a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Respiratory acidosis
c. Respiratory alkalosis
d. Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 1

D
The client's pH is elevated at 7.48 (normal, 7.35 to 7.45), the CO2 is normal at 42 (normal, 35 to 45 mm Hg), and the bicarbonate is elevated at 32 (normal, 22 to 26 mmol/L). The client is expe-riencing metabolic alkalosis.
In metabolic acidosis, the client's pH would be below 7.35, and the bicarbonate would be below 22 mmol/L. The client is not experiencing metabolic acidosis.
In respiratory acidosis, the client's pH would be below 7.35, and the CO2 would be elevated above 45 mm Hg. The client is not experiencing respiratory acidosis.
In respiratory alkalosis, the client's pH would be above 7.45, and the CO2 would be below 35 mm Hg. The client is not experiencing respiratory alkalosis.