Ace the PCCN Exam 2026 – Elevate Your Progressive Care Nursing Game!

In a patient with chronic alcohol abuse, the expected arterial blood gas (ABG) results typically reflect a state of metabolic acidosis, often due to the effects of alcohol on the body, including potential liver dysfunction and the accumulation of acids.

The combination of a low pH (7.35 indicates acidemia) presents a scenario where the body is unable to maintain normal acid-base balance, which is a common finding in chronic alcoholics. The carbon dioxide level (36 mmHg) is within the normal range, suggesting that the respiratory system is not responding significantly to compensate for the metabolic acidosis at this point. The bicarbonate level (18 mEq/L) is lower than normal, indicating a primary metabolic disturbance, as the body is likely producing excess acid or not adequately eliminating it, leading to decreased bicarbonate levels.

In contrast, the other options reflect either more severe acidemia with higher carbon dioxide levels, which suggests a respiratory component or retention, or conditions that are less typical for chronic alcohol abuse. Thus, the first set of results accurately portrays the expected physiological state of an individual struggling with the consequences of chronic alcohol intake.