The nurse is caring for a post operative client with the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results. Which intervention would the nurse implement based on the results? PH 7.48 PaCO2 36 HC03 29 Pa02 98

A. Administer intravenous pain medication: While pain control is important postoperatively, the ABG values indicate a primary metabolic alkalosis (pH 7.48, HCO₃⁻ 29 mEq/L) with normal PaCO₂ and PaO₂. Pain is unlikely the cause of these findings, so administering analgesics would not correct the acid-base imbalance. B. Assess the amount of suction on the client's nasogastric tube: Excessive nasogastric suctioning can remove gastric acid, leading to metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrogen ions. Evaluating suction output allows the nurse to identify a reversible iatrogenic cause of the elevated pH and HCO₃⁻, making this the most appropriate intervention. C. Assess the client for Kussmaul's respirations: Kussmaul respirations are deep, rapid breaths associated with metabolic acidosis, particularly in diabetic ketoacidosis, as a compensatory mechanism to eliminate CO₂. In metabolic alkalosis, respiratory compensation is hypoventilation, not Kussmaul breathing. D. Encourage the client to use the incentive spirometer: Incentive spirometry improves ventilation and prevents postoperative atelectasis but does not address metabolic alkalosis. While beneficial for respiratory function, it does not treat the underlying acid-base imbalance.