A nurse is providing care for a client with emphysema, The nurse reviews the results of the arterial blood gases and determines the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis. The nurse would expect to find which of the following on the laboratory results?

Rationale: A. A pH of 7.35 and pCO₂ of 42 mmHg are both within normal limits, indicating no acidosis. B. A pH of 7.50 and pCO₂ of 28 mmHg indicate respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. C. A pH of 7.40 and pCO₂ of 43 mmHg are normal values, not consistent with acidosis. D. A pH of 7.25 is acidic, and a pCO₂ of 55 mmHg is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, which is expected in a client with emphysema due to CO₂ retention.