A nurse admits an older adult to the ED and notes that the client is cyanotic and has a respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min. Which acid-base imbalance should the nurse associate with this finding?

Rationale: A. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation (respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min), leading to CO₂ retention and decreased blood pH. Cyanosis also indicates poor oxygenation, supporting this diagnosis. B. Metabolic acidosis typically results from renal failure, diarrhea, or diabetic ketoacidosis, not directly from low respiratory rate. C. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, not hypoventilation. D. Metabolic alkalosis is usually caused by vomiting or diuretic use and is not associated with decreased respiratory rate or cyanosis.