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 7.34, PaCO2 24, HCO3- 20
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated
B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
C. Metabolic Acidosis, Uncompensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
Correct Answer: B. Metabolic Acidosis, Partially Compensated
Based on the given ABG values, pH is 7.34. 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 24. The normal range for PaCO2 is from 35 to 45. If PaCO2 is below 35, it is alkalosis. Based on the given ABG values, PaCO2 is below 35, so it is considered ALKALOSIS.
HCO3- is 20. The normal range for HCO3 is from 22 to 26. If HCO3 is below 22, it is acidosis. Based on the given ABG values, HCO3 is below 22, so it is considered ACIDOSIS.
For these ABG values, pH is ACIDOSIS and lines up with HCO3 which is METABOLIC. Therefore, this group of ABG values is considered METABOLIC 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.