A nurse is reviewing ABG results for a client who has COPD. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Rationale: A. PaCO2 48 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg): In COPD, the body may have difficulty exhaling carbon dioxide, leading to elevated PaCO2 levels. A PaCO2 of 48 mm Hg indicates hypercapnia, especially in advanced stages where respiratory function is impaired. B. HCO3- 25 mEq/L (21 to 28 mEq/L): HCO3- (bicarbonate) is within the normal range in the acute phase of COPD exacerbation. However, in chronic cases of COPD, bicarbonate levels may increase as the kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis over time. C. PaO2 85 mm Hg (80 to 100 mm Hg): A PaO2 of 85 mm Hg is within the normal range, but in clients with COPD, oxygen levels are often lower due to impaired gas exchange. It is common to see PaO2 values closer to or below 60 mm Hg in individuals with COPD. D. pH 7.38 (7.35 to 7.45): A pH of 7.38 is normal and does not indicate acid-base imbalance. COPD clients often have a tendency towards respiratory acidosis, which may lower the pH, especially during exacerbations, but this value is not concerning for an acute problem.