A client who is found unresponsive has arterial blood gases drawn, and the results indicate the following: - pH is 7.12 (normal range: 7.35-7.45) - PaCO2 is 90 mm Hg (normal range: 35-45) - HCO3- is 22 mEq/L (normal range: 22-26) The nurse interprets the results as indicating which condition?

A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by a high pH and elevated bicarbonate levels, which is not present in these results. B. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an increased pH and decreased PaCO2, which does not apply here. C. The low pH (7.12) indicates acidemia, and the elevated PaCO2 (90 mm Hg) suggests hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention. The bicarbonate level is within normal limits, further supporting respiratory acidosis. D. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and low bicarbonate levels; however, the bicarbonate is normal in this case, ruling out metabolic acidosis.