A client has the following arterial blood gas (ABG) results: pH 7.51, PaCO2 39 mm Hg, HCO3 32 mEq/L. How would the nurse interpret these results?
Normal values: pH: 7.35-7.45, PaCO2: 35-45 mm Hg, HCO3: 22-26 mEq/L

Choice A reason: Evaluating pupil reactions every shift is important for neurological assessment but is not directly related to monitoring tissue perfusion.

Choice B reason: Assessing temperature every 4 hours is a standard monitoring procedure for sepsis but does not specifically address tissue perfusion.

Choice C reason: Monitoring for cyanosis is a direct method to assess tissue perfusion. Cyanosis, a bluish discoloration of the skin, indicates poor oxygenation and is a sign of decreased tissue perfusion.

Choice D reason: Checking reflexes is part of a neurological assessment and, while important, it does not directly monitor tissue perfusion.

Choice A reason: The serum lactate level of 3.9 mmol/L is significantly higher than the normal range of 0.5-2 mmol/L. This is a critical value to report as it indicates a high likelihood of sepsis, which is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate intervention. Elevated lactate levels suggest that the tissues are not adequately oxygenated, a state known as tissue hypoxia, which is a hallmark of sepsis.

Choice B reason: While the vital signs show a slight fever (100°F), the heart rate, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are within normal limits for an adult and do not indicate an immediate life-threatening condition.

Choice C reason: A pulse oximetry reading of 96% on supplemental oxygen is within the acceptable range, indicating adequate oxygen saturation and not a direct sign of sepsis.

Choice D reason: The presence of rhonchi bilaterally suggests airway obstruction due to mucus, which can be associated with pneumonia. However, this finding alone does not carry the same immediate risk of morbidity and mortality as an elevated lactate level indicative of sepsis.