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

Choice A reason: A PaCO₂ above 45 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis, not metabolic acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, PaCO₂ may be low due to compensatory hyperventilation. Choice B reason: A pH below 7.35 confirms acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the primary disturbance is a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), leading to a lower pH. Choice C reason: PaO₂ below 70 mm Hg indicates hypoxemia, which may occur in various respiratory or circulatory conditions but is not a defining feature of metabolic acidosis. Choice D reason: HCO₃⁻ above 26 mEq/L suggests metabolic alkalosis. In metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate levels are typically decreased, not elevated.