Which combination of arterial blood gas (ABG) values confirms respiratory acidosis if a male client with Guillain-Barré syndrome develops respiratory acidosis as a result of reduced alveolar ventilation?

A. pH, 5.0; PaCO2 30 mm Hg

B. pH, 7.40; PaCO2 35 mm Hg

C. pH, 7.35; PaCO2 40 mm Hg

D. pH, 7.25; PaCO2 50 mm Hg

D) pH, 7.25; PaCO2 50 mm Hg

Explanation:

For respiratory acidosis confirmation by arterial blood gas values, there should be:

pH value less than 7.35 (it indicates the acidosis in body but there may be multiple sources of acidosis). Partial carbon dioxide pressure greater than 45 mmHg (it indicates that the acidosis source is respiratory)

Therefore a person with values (pH, 7.25; PaCO2 50 mm Hg) would express respiratory acidosis.

The value (pH, 5.0; PaCO2 30 mm Hg) indicates the respiratory alkalosis condition.