NCLEX-RN (Registered Nurse) Practice Exam · Question
A client presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of severe vomiting and diarrhea. Arterial blood gas results show pH 7.28, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is indicated by these results?
A pH of 7.28 indicates acidosis. A normal PaCO2 (40 mmHg) rules out a primary respiratory issue, while a low HCO3 (18 mEq/L) points to a metabolic origin, consi
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Question: A client presents to the emergency department with a 2-day history of severe vomiting and diarrhea. Arterial blood gas results show pH 7.28, PaCO2 40 mmHg, HCO3 18 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance is indicated by these results?
Answer options: ✅ Metabolic acidosis
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Respiratory acidosis
- Respiratory alkalosis
Correct answer: Metabolic acidosis
Explanation: A pH of 7.28 indicates acidosis. A normal PaCO2 (40 mmHg) rules out a primary respiratory issue, while a low HCO3 (18 mEq/L) points to a metabolic origin, consistent with metabolic acidosis.
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