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?

A. HCO3 above 26 mEq/L: A bicarbonate (HCO3) level above 26 mEq/L indicates metabolic alkalosis, not acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, bicarbonate is consumed to buffer the acid, resulting in levels below 22 mEq/L. B. PaO2 below 70 mm Hg: This indicates hypoxemia (low oxygen in the blood). While a client with acidosis might be hypoxic, this value does not define the acid-base imbalance itself. C. pH below 7.35: Acidosis is defined by an increase in hydrogen ion concentration, resulting in an arterial pH below the normal range (7.35 to 7.45). Metabolic acidosis specifically involves a low pH combined with a low bicarbonate level. D. PaCO2 above 45 mm Hg: An elevated PaCO2 indicates respiratory acidosis (where the lungs are retaining CO2), not metabolic acidosis. In metabolic acidosis, the lungs often compensate by blowing off CO2, resulting in a low PaCO2.