What is the arterial pH value in the ABG sample?

• A. 7.25
• B. 7.40
• C. 7.50
• D. 7.30

Answer: (A)

Arterial pH shows whether the blood is more acidic or basic than normal. Normal arterial pH is about 7.35 to 7.45. A value of 7.25 is below that range, so it indicates acidemia. In the ABG sample, the pH is 7.25, meaning the blood is more acidic than normal. To understand the cause, you’d look at PaCO2 and HCO3-: a high PaCO2 points to respiratory acidosis, while a low HCO3- points to metabolic acidosis. Among the options, 7.40 is normal, 7.50 is alkalemic, and 7.30 is acidemic but does not match the given sample’s value; the sample shows 7.25.