RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 226 of 2368

A client has a pH of 7.28, a PaCO2 of 40 mmHg and an HCO3 of 18 mEq/L. Which acid-base imbalance does the nurse identify?

  1. Respiratory acidosis
  2. Metabolic alkalosis
  3. Metabolic acidosis
  4. Respiratory alkalosis
Show answer

Correct answer: Metabolic acidosis

A pH below 7.35 with an HCO3 below 22 shows metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is normal, so the cause is not respiratory.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Fluids and Electrolytes: Metabolic Acidosis. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026