Timothy’s arterial blood gas (ABG) results are as follows; pH 7.16; Paco2 80 mm Hg; Pao2 46 mm Hg; HCO3- 24 mEq/L; Sao2 81%. This ABG result represents which of the following conditions?
A. Metabolic acidosis
B. Metabolic alkalosis
C. Respiratory acidosis
D. Respiratory alkalosis
Correct Answer: C. Respiratory acidosis
Because Paco2 is high at 80 mm Hg and the metabolic measure, HCO3- is normal, the client has respiratory acidosis.
Option A: If the HCO3- was below 22 mEq/L the client would have metabolic acidosis.
Option B: The result of the ABG is less than 7.35, which makes metabolic alkalosis incorrect.
Option D: The pH is less than 7.35, academic, which eliminates respiratory alkalosis as a possibility.