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 7.45, PaCO2 50, HCO3- 30
A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
B. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
C. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
D. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Correct Answer: A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
Based on the given ABG values, pH is 7.45. For pH, the normal range is 7.35 to 7.45. So it is NORMAL.
PaCO2 is 50. 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 30. 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 NORMAL but slightly alkalosis and lines up with HCO3 which is METABOLIC. Therefore, this group of ABG values is considered METABOLIC ALKALOSIS.
Lastly, it is FULLY COMPENSATED because pH is normal. It is considered fully compensated if pH is normal.