How would the nurse interpret the following arterial blood gas? pH 7.31. PaCO2 48 mm Hg. Bicarbonate 24 mEq/L PaO2 115 mm Hg. 02 saturation 99%.

Rationale: A. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis: hyperoxygenated is correct. Analysis of the ABG: pH 7.31 → acidic (normal 7.35–7.45) → acidosis present PaCO2 48 mm Hg → elevated (normal 35–45 mm Hg) → indicates respiratory acidosis HCO3 24 mEq/L → normal (normal 22–28 mEq/L) → no metabolic compensation has occurred yet PaO2 115 mm Hg and O2 saturation 99% → elevated oxygen, likely due to supplemental oxygen administration Since pH is low, CO2 is high, and HCO3 is normal, this is uncompensated respiratory acidosis. The patient is also hyperoxygenated, indicated by the elevated PaO2. B. Normal arterial blood gas levels with a high oxygen level is incorrect because the pH is acidic and CO2 is elevated, indicating acidosis. This ABG is not within normal limits. C. Partly compensated respiratory acidosis, normal oxygen is incorrect because HCO3 is normal, meaning no renal compensation has begun. Partial compensation would show an elevated HCO3 in response to the high CO2. D. Uncompensated metabolic acidosis with high oxygen levels is incorrect because HCO3 is normal, which rules out metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis would also show a low bicarbonate and low pH.