The patient is complaining of some nausea and vomiting and diarrhea for 4 days; skin is flushed. The skin pinch is obvious dehydration. The medical record noted the following: Arterial blood gases (ABG) show a pH 7.32; HCO₃ of 22. Nurse Jones believes that the cause may be severe dehydration due to diarrhea, renal failure, heart failure or diabetes.
What is the most likely state of acid base imbalance?
a. Metabolic acidosis
b. Respiratory alkalosis
c. Metabolic alkalosis
d. Normal acid base balance
e. Respiratory acidosis