The patient with the following blood gas results: pH = 7.19, PaCO₂ = 62 mm Hg, HCO₃¯ = 22 mEq/L, PaO₂ = 64 should be seen first because the patient is exhibiting respiratory acidosis, which may result in respiratory failure if the patient is not supported appropriately. The patient with the same pH but normal PaCO₂ and low HCO₃¯ should be seen quickly, but a metabolic acidosis has a slower course and decompensation than respiratory acidosis. The patients with alkalotic pH (7.52) can be see after the patients with acidosis.