A client with a diagnosis of chronic renal failure has pH of 7.35, PaCO₂ of 29 mm Hg, and bicarbonate level of 16 mEq/L. The nurse interprets these ABG results as A) compensated metabolic acidosis. B) compensated respiratory acidosis. C) uncompensated metabolic acidosis. D) uncompensated respiratory acidosis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Renal failure is one etiology of metabolic acidosis. Compensation is present when PaCO₂ and bicarbonate values are abnormal (or nearly so) in opposite directions (e.g., one is acidotic and the other alkalotic), and when the pH is in the normal range.

A Client with a Diagnosis of Chronic Renal Failure Has