Arterial blood gas levels are obtained for the client. If the client's results are pH 7.48, pCo2 42mmHg, and HCO3 32 mEq/L, the client is exhibiting which one of the following acid-base imbalances?

Rationale: A. pH: 7.48 is elevated (normal: 7.35–7.45). This indicates alkalosis. pCO₂: 42 mm Hg is normal (normal: 35–45 mm Hg). HCO₃⁻: 32 mEq/L is elevated (normal: 22–26 mEq/L) hence pointing towards a primary metabolic cause. Since the pH is high and the HCO₃⁻ is also high, with a normal pCO₂, this is clearly a case of metabolic alkalosis. B. Respiratory acidosis would have low pH and high pCO₂. C. Metabolic acidosis would have low pH and low HCO₃⁻. D. Respiratory alkalosis would have high pH and low pCO.