A nurse is caring for a client whose arterial blood gas results show the following results: PH: 7.2 PaCO2: 50 mm Hg HCO3: 24 mEq/L The nurse should identify the client is experiencing which of the following acid-base conditions?

Rationale: A. Respiratory alkalosis would present with an elevated pH and decreased PaCO₂, which is not consistent with these results. B. Respiratory acidosis is indicated by a low pH (7.20) and an elevated PaCO₂ (50 mm Hg), with a normal HCO₃⁻ (24 mEq/L), suggesting uncompensated respiratory acidosis. C. Metabolic alkalosis would present with an increased pH and elevated HCO₃⁻. D. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH and low HCO₃⁻, not an elevated PaCO₂.