What set of arterial blood gas (ABG) values should a nurse expect in a client with chronic kidney disease?

In patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), one common metabolic disturbance is metabolic acidosis. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining acid-base balance, and in CKD, their reduced ability to excrete hydrogen ions and produce bicarbonate results in a lower pH and a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels.

The correct answer reflects the expected findings in a patient with CKD. A pH of 7.25 indicates acidosis, which aligns with the metabolic acidosis often seen in this population. The bicarbonate level of 19 mEq/L further confirms metabolic acidosis, as normal bicarbonate levels typically range from 22 to 28 mEq/L. The PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg suggests a compensatory respiratory alkalosis, which is often seen as the body attempts to compensate for the acidosis through hyperventilation to decrease carbon dioxide levels.

In contrast, the other options reflect either normal or alkaline pH levels, high bicarbonate values, or inappropriate combinations of these elements, which would not be consistent with the acid-base balance expected in someone with chronic kidney disease. For instance, options with pH above 7.35 or bicarbonate levels above normal would not align with the typical metabolic