A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following blood gas values should the nurse expect?

A) pH 7.36 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 38 mm Hg (35 to 45 mmHg), HCO3 25 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is a normal set of arterial blood gas (ABG) values, with a pH within normal range, a normal PaCO2, and a normal HCO3. It does not suggest metabolic alkalosis. B) pH 7.48 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 32 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 24 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): Although the pH is elevated, indicating alkalosis, the PaCO2 is slightly low, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is within the normal range. This set of values does not indicate metabolic alkalosis, but could indicate respiratory alkalosis or compensated alkalosis. C) pH 7.46 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 36 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 29 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This is consistent with metabolic alkalosis. The elevated pH (alkalosis) combined with an increased bicarbonate level (HCO3 > 26 mEq/L) and a normal PaCO2 suggests metabolic alkalosis, as the kidneys retain bicarbonate to compensate for the condition. D) pH 7.26 (7.35 to 7.45), PaCO2 35 mm Hg (35 to 45 mm Hg), HCO3 18 mEq/L (22 to 26 mEq/L): This set of values indicates acidosis, not alkalosis. The pH is low, indicating acidosis, and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is also low, which suggests metabolic acidosis. The PaCO2 is normal, which further supports a metabolic origin of the acidosis.