NCLEX Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gas Interpretation 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Uncompensated respiratory acidosis

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Fully compensated metabolic acidosis

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Partially compensated metabolic alkalosis

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Partially compensated respiratory acidosis

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

The kidneys compensate over hours to days

Answer

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

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