Practice NCLEX RN Questions Related

Review Practice NCLEX RN Questions related questions and content

The nurse is assessing the arterial blood gases (ABG) of a chest trauma client with the results of pH 7.35, PO2 85, PCO2 55, and HCO3 27. These ABG values indicate that the client is in:

  • A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis
  • B. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
  • C. Compensated respiratory acidosis
  • D. Compensated metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: pH 7.35 is normal, PCO2 55 is elevated (indicating respiratory acidosis), and HCO3 27 is slightly elevated, suggesting compensation. This is compensated respiratory acidosis, likely due to hypoventilation from chest trauma.