Acid-Base Balance Disorders · NCLEX Exam

A patient with severe pneumonia and ABG results of pH 7.32, PaCO₂ 52 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 26 mEq/L likely has which acid-base disorder?

  1. a. Metabolic acidosis
  2. b. Respiratory acidosis
  3. c. Metabolic alkalosis
  4. d. Respiratory alkalosis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: b. Respiratory acidosis

Low pH and elevated PaCO₂ with normal HCO₃⁻ indicate respiratory acidosis in this context.

Difficulty: Medium Question 22 of 25

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