RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 105 of 2368

A client has an arterial blood gas with a PaCO2 of 52 mmHg and a pH of 7.30. Which condition does the nurse recognize?

  1. Hypoxemia leading to respiratory alkalosis
  2. Normal gas exchange
  3. Hypercapnia leading to respiratory acidosis
  4. Hyperventilation with a falling PaCO2
Show answer

Correct answer: Hypercapnia leading to respiratory acidosis

A PaCO2 above 45 is hypercapnia. The retained carbon dioxide lowers the blood pH and causes respiratory acidosis.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Oxygenation: Hypoxia and Hypercapnia. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026