A nurse is caring for a client who has acute kidney injury. The client's ABGS are: PH: 7.26 PaCO: 30 mm Hg HCO3: 14 mEq/L Which of the following acid-imbalances should the nurse identify the client is experiencing?

Rationale: A. Metabolic acidosis is indicated by a low pH (< 7.35) and low bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻ < 22 mEq/L). The low PaCO₂ (30 mm Hg) suggests respiratory compensation through hyperventilation. B. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and low PaCO₂, which is not the case here. C. Respiratory acidosis typically shows high PaCO₂ and low pH; HCO₃⁻ may be elevated if compensation occurs. D. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and high HCO₃⁻, which is not consistent with these values.