A client is admitted to the emergency room with a respiratory rate of 7/min. Arterial blood gases (ABG) reveal the following values. Which of the following is an appropriate analysis of the ABGs? pH 7.22 PaCO2, 68 mm Hg PaO2, 78 mm Hg Saturation 80% Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L

Rationale: A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH (>7.45) and elevated bicarbonate, which is not seen here. B. Respiratory alkalosis presents with high pH (>7.45) and low PaCO₂ (45 mm Hg). The client’s pH is 7.22, and PaCO₂ is 68 mm Hg, consistent with respiratory acidosis. The low respiratory rate (7/min) confirms hypoventilation as the underlying cause. D. Metabolic acidosis shows low pH and low bicarbonate, but the bicarbonate here is normal (26 mEq/L), so this is incorrect.