Acid-Base Balance Disorders · NCLEX Exam

Which ABG pattern suggests metabolic acidosis?

  1. pH 7.46, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 33 mEq/L
  2. pH 7.52, PaCO₂ 28 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 22 mEq/L
  3. pH 7.40, PaCO₂ 60 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 36 mEq/L
  4. pH 7.36, PaCO₂ 52 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 29 mEq/L
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Correct answer: pH 7.46, PaCO₂ 55 mmHg, HCO₃⁻ 33 mEq/L

pH is low (acidosis) and HCO₃⁻ is low (metabolic cause) while PaCO₂ is nearly normal, indicating metabolic acidosis.

Difficulty: Medium Question 5 of 25

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