Three-year-old Adrian is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of asthma and respiratory distress syndrome. The mother of the child reports to the nurse on duty that she has witnessed slight tremors and behavioral changes in her child over the past four days. The attending physician orders routine ABGs following an assessment of the ABCs. The ABG results are pH 7.35, PaCO2 72 mmHg, and HCO3 38 mEq/L. What acid-base disorder is shown?
A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated
B. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
C. Respiratory Alkalosis, Fully Compensated
D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated
Correct Answer: B. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated
The patient has respiratory acidosis (raised carbon dioxide) resulting from asthma and respiratory distress syndrome, with compensation having normal pH value within 7.35to 7.45, increased PaCO2 which is acidic and increased HCO3 which is basic.