A 35-year-old client is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. Results of arterial blood gases are pH 7.2, PaO2 90, PaCO2 45, and HCO3 16.

A 35-year-old client is admitted to the hospital with diabetic ketoacidosis. Results of arterial blood gases are pH 7.2, PaO2 90, PaCO2 45, and HCO3 16.

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: D

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.