What acid-base imbalances have occurred if arterial blood gas levels are obtained from the client and the results are pH 7.48, CO2 42 mm Hg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L?

First, this question is missing a phrase that would help it make sense. Secondly, the answer is metabolic acidosis, or answer A. This is basically when something has accumulated in the body - usually an acid.

It can be caused by one of three key things: the body isn’t breaking down enough acid, the body is producing too much acid, or there isn’t enough of a base to off-set the acids in the body.

One of the biggest cases of metabolic acidosis actually led to the patient’s diagnosis of ethylene glycol poisoning. This case was covered on the television show “Forensic Files” and is a wonderful insight into the side effects of metabolic acidosis. I cannot recall what episode it was.

Metabolic alkalosis-ans: 4 the clients ph is elevated at 7.48 (normal 7.35 to 7.45), the co2 is normal at 42 mm hg (normal 35 to 45 mm hg), and the bicarbonate is elevated at 32 meq/l (normal 22 to 26 meq/l). the client is experiencing metabolic alkalosis. in metabolic acidosis the clients ph would be below 7.35, and the bicarbonate would be below 22 meq/l. in respiratory acidosis the clients ph would be below 7.35, and the co2 would be elevated above 45 mm hg. in respiratory alkalosis the clients ph would be above 7.45, and the co2 would be below 35 mm hg.