Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation Flashcards

A client's ABG shows pH 7.32, PaCO2 48 mm Hg, HCO3 25 mEq/L. How should the nurse interpret these results?

Answer: Uncompensated respiratory acidosis

Low pH with high PaCO2 and a normal HCO3 means respiratory acidosis with no renal compensation yet.

ABG results: pH 7.37, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3 17 mEq/L. Which interpretation is correct?

Answer: Fully compensated metabolic acidosis

pH is normal but on the acidic side of 7.40, and the low HCO3 matches it, so this is metabolic acidosis fully compensated by a low PaCO2.

A client has pH 7.50, PaCO2 47 mm Hg, HCO3 34 mEq/L. What is the interpretation?

Answer: Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis

High pH and high HCO3 show metabolic alkalosis, and the raised PaCO2 means the lungs are compensating, but pH is still abnormal.

ABG results: pH 7.30, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3 30 mEq/L. How does the nurse classify this?

Answer: Partially compensated respiratory acidosis

Acidic pH with high PaCO2 shows respiratory acidosis; the high HCO3 is renal compensation that has not yet normalized the pH.

Which statement correctly describes compensation for a primary respiratory acid-base disorder?

Answer: The kidneys compensate over hours to days

Respiratory disorders are compensated by the kidneys retaining or excreting HCO3 and H+, which takes hours to days.

A client's ABG shows pH 7.48, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, HCO3 23 mEq/L. What is the interpretation?

Answer: Uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

High pH with low PaCO2 and a normal HCO3 means respiratory alkalosis with no metabolic compensation.

ABG results: pH 7.43, PaCO2 50 mm Hg, HCO3 33 mEq/L. Which interpretation is most accurate?

Answer: Fully compensated metabolic alkalosis

pH is normal but on the alkaline side of 7.40, so the high HCO3 is the primary problem and the high PaCO2 is full respiratory compensation.