NCLEX Exam NCLEX-PN Topic 4 Question 2 Discussion

Actual exam question for NCLEX's NCLEX-PN exam

Question #: 2
Topic #: 4

[All NCLEX-PN Questions]

What do the following ABG values indicate: pH 7.38, PO2 78 mmHg, PCO2 36mmHg, and HCO3 24 mEq/L?

Ametabolic alkalosis

Bhomeostasis

Crespiratory acidosis

Drespiratory alkalosis

Show Suggested Answer

Suggested Answer: B

These ABG values are within normal limits. Choices 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because the ABG values

indicate none of these acid-base disturbances.Physiological Adaptation

by Blondell at Jun 16, 2025, 07:25 PM

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Marguerita

25 days ago

Haha, this one's a real brain-twister. I'm going to have to go with a wild guess and say respiratory acidosis, just to be different!

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Carissa

8 days ago

A) metabolic alkalosis

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Tambra

1 months ago

Yes, the pH, PO2, PCO2, and HCO3 values are all within normal range, so it indicates homeostasis.

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Kindra

2 months ago

I'm not sure, this one has me stumped. Maybe it's metabolic alkalosis, but the PCO2 being low doesn't quite fit. Tricky question!

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Donte

2 months ago

I agree, the pH is within normal range and the other values support that.

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Carmen

2 months ago

I think these values indicate homeostasis.

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Lizbeth

2 months ago

Definitely respiratory alkalosis. The numbers all point to the body overcompensating and blowing off too much CO2.

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Lizette

2 months ago

Hmm, I think this indicates respiratory alkalosis. The pH is slightly elevated, PO2 is high, and PCO2 is low, which suggests the body is compensating for a respiratory issue.

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Oretha

1 months ago

Yes, the high PO2 and low PCO2 point towards respiratory alkalosis.

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Princess

1 months ago

I agree, those values do suggest respiratory alkalosis.

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