A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas (ABG) results of a client who the provider suspects have metabolic acidosis. Which of the following results should the nurse expect to see?

A. pH below 7.35 is correct because metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH due to excess acid or loss of bicarbonate. B. PaCO₂ above 45 mm Hg is incorrect because that finding indicates respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis. C. HCO₃ above 26 mEq/L is incorrect because in metabolic acidosis the bicarbonate level is decreased (<22 mEq/L), not elevated. D. PaO₂ below 70 mm Hg is incorrect because a low oxygen level indicates hypoxemia, which can coexist with metabolic disorders but does not define metabolic acidosis.