Physiological Integrity NCLEX RN Questions Related

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The nurse is caring for a client who presents to the ED with the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.32, PaCO2 47 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L, PaO2 91 mm Hg. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse anticipate, based on these findings?

  • A. confusion
  • B. nausea and vomiting
  • C. deep, rapid respirations
  • D. hypoventilation with hypoxia
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The ABG results (pH 7.32, PaCO2 47) indicate uncompensated respiratory acidosis. Confusion (A) is a common symptom due to CO2 retention. Deep, rapid respirations (C) are compensatory for metabolic acidosis, not respiratory. Nausea (B) and hypoventilation (D) are less specific.