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 Base excess-2 PaO2 78 mm Hg Saturation 80% Bicarbonate 26 mEq/L

A. Respiratory acidosis is correct because the client has an acidotic pH (7.22) and an elevated PaCO₂ (68 mm Hg) consistent with hypoventilation; the bicarbonate (26 mEq/L) is near normal, indicating little metabolic compensation (acute respiratory acidosis). B. Metabolic alkalosis is incorrect because metabolic alkalosis would present with an elevated pH (>7.45) and an increased HCO₃⁻, which is not present here. C. Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect because that condition is characterized by a low PaCO₂ (<35 mm Hg) and an alkalotic pH, opposite of these findings. D. Metabolic acidosis is incorrect because metabolic acidosis would show a low HCO₃⁻ and low pH; here the HCO₃⁻ is normal and the primary abnormality is an elevated PaCO₂.