{"id":4070,"date":"2024-07-03T15:52:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T15:52:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/?p=4070"},"modified":"2026-03-20T13:50:45","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T21:50:45","slug":"nclex-qotd-arterial-blood-gas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-qotd-arterial-blood-gas","title":{"rendered":"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Arterial blood gas"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">In This Article<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-qotd-arterial-blood-gas\/#The_correct_answer_to_todays_NCLEX-RN%C2%AE_Question_is%E2%80%A6\" >The correct answer to today&#8217;s NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question is&#8230;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-qotd-arterial-blood-gas\/#Major_Takeaway\" >Major Takeaway<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-qotd-arterial-blood-gas\/#Incorrect_Answer_Explanations\" >Incorrect Answer Explanations<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Test your knowledge with this <strong>NCLEX-RN Question of the Day<\/strong>: <strong>Interpret ABG<\/strong> results in a <strong>diabetic patient <\/strong>with <strong>altered mental status.<\/strong> <strong>What&#8217;s the diagnosis?<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The nurse in the emergency department is reviewing the <strong>arterial blood gas results<\/strong> of a client with <strong>uncontrolled type I diabetes mellitus<\/strong> who arrived with an <strong>altered mental status<\/strong>. Based on the client\u2019s laboratory results, which <strong>condition <\/strong>does this client&nbsp;most likely&nbsp;have?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"994\" height=\"814\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas-result.png\" alt=\"ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS RESULTS\nPh \/ 7\/29\nHCO3 \/ 19 mEg\/L\nPaCO2 \/ 42 mmHg\nPaO2 \/ 82 mmHg\nSaO2 \/ 95%\" class=\"wp-image-4072\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas-result.png 994w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas-result.png?resize=300,246 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas-result.png?resize=768,629 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 994px) 100vw, 994px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A.&nbsp;Metabolic acidosis&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.&nbsp;Respiratory alkalosis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C.&nbsp;Respiratory acidosis&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>D.&nbsp;Metabolic alkalosis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Scroll down for the correct answer!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_correct_answer_to_todays_NCLEX-RN%C2%AE_Question_is%E2%80%A6\"><\/span>The correct answer to today&#8217;s NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question is&#8230;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>A.&nbsp;Metabolic acidosis&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale:&nbsp;<\/strong>This client most likely has <strong>metabolic acidosis<\/strong> as evidenced by their <strong>decreased pH <\/strong>and <strong>bicarbonate levels<\/strong>. This is also consistent with the client\u2019s history of <strong>uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Major_Takeaway\"><\/span>Major Takeaway<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Normal arterial blood gas (ABG) values for healthy adults are a pH ranging from 7.35 to 7.45<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bicarbonate (HCO3)-&nbsp;ranging from 21 to 28 mEq\/L<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Carbon dioxide (PaCO2) ranging from 35 to 45 mm Hg<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>PaO2 ranging from 80 to 100 mm Hg, and SaO2 above 95%.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"972\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas.png\" alt=\"ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS\n* Acid-based components\n* Pressures of gasses\n* Normal values for adults:\npH: 7.35-7.45\nPaCO2: 35-45 mmHg\nHCO3: 21-28 mEq\/L\nPaO2: 80-100 mmHg\nSa02: &gt; 95%\" class=\"wp-image-4071\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas.png 972w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas.png?resize=300,170 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/arterieal-blood-gas.png?resize=768,436 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 972px) 100vw, 972px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Incorrect_Answer_Explanations\"><\/span>Incorrect Answer Explanations<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>B.&nbsp;Respiratory alkalosis&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale:&nbsp;<\/strong>It is not most likely that this client has <strong>respiratory alkalosis<\/strong>. The client\u2019s pH is not <strong>alkalotic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>C.&nbsp;Respiratory acidosis&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale:&nbsp;<\/strong>It is not most likely that this client has <strong>respiratory acidosis.<\/strong> Although the client\u2019s pH is acidotic, their CO2, PaO2, and SaO2 are <strong>normal<\/strong>.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>D.&nbsp;Metabolic alkalosis&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Rationale:&nbsp;<\/strong>It is not most likely that this client has <strong>metabolic alkalosis<\/strong>. The client\u2019s pH is not <strong>alkalotic<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\/rn\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"904\" height=\"324\" src=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a82cbc.png?w=904\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a82cbc.png 904w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a82cbc.png?resize=300,108 300w, https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/09\/image_a82cbc.png?resize=768,275 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 904px) 100vw, 904px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Want more NCLEX\u00ae-style practice questions? Try Osmosis by Elsevier today! Access your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/plans\/rn\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">free trial<\/a>\u00a0and find out why millions of current and future clinicians and caregivers love learning with us.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A diabetic patient arrives with altered mental status and abnormal ABG results. Learn how to interpret these values and identify the most likely disorder.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":279,"featured_media":4073,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[20,29,1367,1366,32],"tags":[1986,1987,1416,1421,1991,1131,369,1137,1988,244,499,1990,1424,1989,1134],"class_list":["post-4070","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-exam-prep","category-nclex","category-nclex-rn","category-questions","category-nursing","tag-abg-interpretation","tag-acid-base-disorders","tag-altered-mental-status","tag-arterial-blood-gas","tag-diabetic-emergencies","tag-diabetic-ketoacidosis","tag-emergency-nursing","tag-metabolic-acidosis","tag-metabolic-alkalosis","tag-nclex-rn","tag-nursing-exam-prep","tag-nursing-quiz","tag-respiratory-acidosis","tag-respiratory-alkalosis","tag-type-1-diabetes"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Arterial blood gas - Osmosis Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.osmosis.org\/blog\/nclex-qotd-arterial-blood-gas\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"NCLEX-RN\u00ae Question of the Day: Arterial blood gas - Osmosis Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A diabetic patient arrives with altered mental status and abnormal ABG results. 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