A client presents with shortness of breath. The arterial blood gas (ABG) results are: pH 7.36, PaCO2 55 mmHg, PaO2 85 mmHg. What is the correct interpretation of this ABG result?

A. An alkalotic blood pH is defined as any value greater than 7.45. The client's pH of 7.36 falls within the normal physiological range of 7.35 to 7.45, although it is on the more acidic side of the spectrum. Interpreting this result as alkalotic is a clinical error and ignores the standard reference ranges for arterial blood gas analysis. B. A normal PaCO2 range is 35 to 45 mmHg; therefore, a PaCO2 of 55 mmHg indicates significant hypercapnia, or the retention of carbon dioxide. This finding is consistent with the patient's complaint of shortness of breath and suggests a respiratory cause for the primary acid-base disturbance. The body is likely retaining CO2 due to alveolar hypoventilation or impaired gas exchange within the pulmonary system. C. The fact that the pH is 7.36 (within normal limits) despite a significantly elevated PaCO2 suggests that the body has successfully compensated for the imbalance. In respiratory acidosis, the kidneys retain bicarbonate to buffer the excess acid and return the pH to a normal range. If the client were unable to compensate, the pH would be significantly below 7.35, indicating a decompensated state. D. In a state of respiratory acidosis with normal pH, the body would actually have an excess or normal level of bicarbonate rather than a deficiency. The kidneys increase bicarbonate reabsorption to neutralize the high levels of carbonic acid produced by the retained CO2. A deficiency of bicarbonate would cause metabolic acidosis, which would typically result in a low pH and a low PaCO2 as the lungs try to compensate.