A nurse is assessing a client who reports numbness and tingling of the hands and face. The client's vital signs are temperature 99.0 degrees F., blood pressure 142/86 mmHg, HR 110 bpm, and respiratory rate 32 breaths/min. Which blood pH value is the nurse most likely to find when evaluating this client's laboratory values?

Rationale: A. A pH of 7.35 is at the lower end of the normal range and would not typically produce symptoms like tingling or numbness. B. A pH of 7.45 is the upper limit of normal and may not fully explain the client's symptoms. C. A pH of 7.50 indicates alkalosis, most likely respiratory alkalosis in this case due to hyperventilation (RR of 32). The symptoms of numbness and tingling are classic signs of respiratory alkalosis, caused by decreased CO₂ levels. D. A pH of 7.40 is normal and would not be expected to cause the symptoms described.