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A client presents with a pH of 7.25, PC02 of 40 mmHg, HCO3- of 16 mEq/L. Which of the following best describes the client's acid-base imbalance?

A.

Metabolic alkalosis

B.

Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated

C.

Respiratory acidosis

D.

Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Metabolic alkalosis: This condition is characterized by an elevated pH above 7.45 and an increased bicarbonate level. In this case, the pH is low and the HCO₃⁻ is also decreased, ruling out metabolic alkalosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated: A pH of 7.25 indicates acidemia, and a bicarbonate level of 16 mEq/L confirms a metabolic origin. The PaCO₂ is normal at 40 mmHg, indicating that respiratory compensation has not yet occurred, making this an uncompensated metabolic acidosis.
C. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis involves a low pH and elevated PaCO₂ due to hypoventilation. This client’s PaCO₂ is within normal range, so respiratory causes can be ruled out.
D. Respiratory alkalosis, partially compensated: This condition presents with a high pH and low PaCO₂, typically due to hyperventilation. The client has an acidic pH and a normal PaCO₂, which does not support respiratory alkalosis.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a high PaCO2 level due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function, which is not reflected in this ABG result. The pH of 7.30 indicates acidosis, but the normal PaCO2 of 40 mmHg suggests it is not respiratory in nature.
B. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis involves a decrease in PaCO2, which is not present here. The PaCO2 of 40 mmHg is within normal range, ruling out this possibility.
C. Metabolic acidosis, uncompensated: The low HCO3- of 20 mEq/L and the pH of 7.30 indicate metabolic acidosis. Since there is no compensation by the lungs (i.e., PaCO2 is not lowered), this is considered uncompensated metabolic acidosis.
D. Metabolic alkalosis, uncompensated: Metabolic alkalosis would involve an elevated HCO3- level and a higher pH, which is not seen in this case. The HCO3- is low, supporting metabolic acidosis, not alkalosis.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "You have many dangerously low blood sugar levels. A hemoglobin A1C of 9% indicates chronic hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. This test reflects an average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months, and a high value suggests consistently elevated blood glucose, not frequent lows.
B. "Your blood sugar is too high after meals." While postprandial glucose spikes may contribute to an elevated A1C, the A1C reflects overall glycemic control, not just after meals. This statement is too narrow and doesn’t fully address the long-term trend that a 9% A1C represents.
C. "Your average blood sugar is high." This is the most accurate statement. A hemoglobin A1C of 9% correlates with an estimated average blood glucose level of approximately 212 mg/dL, which is well above the recommended target. It reflects poor long-term blood sugar control.
D. "Your blood sugar is very unstable." An A1C of 9% does not measure variability in blood sugar; it reflects a sustained elevation in average glucose. Blood sugar instability would be better evaluated with continuous glucose monitoring or frequent blood glucose checks, not A1C.

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