A nurse is reviewing a client's laboratory report of arterial blood gas (ABG) findings: pH 7.28, HCO, 18 mEq/L, and PaCO, 36 mm Hg. Which of the following conditions should the nurse anticipate when interpreting these findings?

A. Metabolic acidosis: The pH is below the normal range (7.35–7.45), indicating acidemia. The HCO₃⁻ is decreased (normal 22–26 mEq/L), suggesting a primary metabolic disturbance. PaCO₂ is within normal limits, showing that respiratory compensation has not fully occurred. B. Metabolic alkalosis: Metabolic alkalosis would present with an elevated HCO₃⁻ and pH above 7.45. The client’s decreased HCO₃⁻ and low pH do not support this diagnosis. C. Respiratory acidosis: Respiratory acidosis involves an elevated PaCO₂ causing a low pH. In this case, PaCO₂ is normal, making a primary respiratory cause unlikely. D. Respiratory alkalosis: Respiratory alkalosis presents with a low PaCO₂ and elevated pH. The client’s pH is decreased and PaCO₂ is normal, so this condition does not match the findings