Match the acid-base status of the following blood samples to the disorders in the given choices. (PaCO2 values are in mm Hg and bicarbonate values in mmol/l).
pH 7.17, PaCO2 48, HCO3- 36
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Correct Answer: D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Based on the given ABG values, pH is 7.17. For pH, the normal range is 7.35 to 7.45. Any blood pH below 7.35 (7.34, 7.33, 7.32, and so on…) is ACIDOSIS.
PaCO2 is 48. The normal range for PaCO2 is from 35 to 45. If PaCO2 is above 45, it is acidosis. Based on the given ABG values, PaCO2 is above 45, so it is considered ACIDOSIS.
HCO3- is 36. The normal range for HCO3 is from 22 to 26. If HCO3 is above 26, it is alkalosis. Based on the given ABG values, HCO3 is above 26, so it is considered ALKALOSIS.
For these ABG values, pH is ACIDOSIS and lines up with PaCO2 which is RESPIRATORY. Therefore, this group of ABG values is considered RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS.
Lastly, it is PARTIALLY COMPENSATED because all three (3) values are abnormal. It is considered partially compensated if all three (3) values are abnormal.