ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Related

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A client with chronic kidney disease has arterial blood gas values being reviewed by a nurse. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?

  • A. pH 7.25, HCO3- 19 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg
  • B. pH 7.30, HCO3- 26 mEq/L, PaCO2 50 mm Hg
  • C. pH 7.50, HCO3- 20 mEq/L, PaCO2 32 mm Hg
  • D. pH 7.55, HCO3- 30 mEq/L, PaCO2 31 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In chronic kidney disease, metabolic acidosis is common due to impaired kidney function leading to reduced bicarbonate excretion. The correct values indicating metabolic acidosis in this scenario are a low pH (acidosis), low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level, and low PaCO2 (compensation through respiratory alkalosis). Therefore, the expected values for a client with chronic kidney disease would be pH 7.25, HCO3- 19 mEq/L, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, as depicted in choice A.