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 7.6, PaCO2 53, HCO3- 38      A. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Fully Compensated      C. Respiratory Acidosis, Partially Compensated      D. Respiratory… Read More »

A mountaineer attempts an assault on a high mountain in the Andes and reaches an altitude of 5000 meters (16,400 ft) above sea level. What will happen to his arterial PCO2 and pH?         A. Both will be lower than normal.      B. The pH will rise and PCO2 will fall.      C. Both will… Read More »

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 7.5, PaCO2 19, HCO3- 22      A. Respiratory Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially Compensated      C. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated      D. Respiratory Alkalosis,… Read More »

A young woman is found comatose, having taken an unknown number of sleeping pills an unknown time before. An arterial blood sample yields the following values: pH 6.90, HCO3- 13 meq/liter, and PaCO2 68 mmHg. This patient’s acid-base status is most accurately described as:         A. Metabolic Acidosis      B. Respiratory Acidosis      C. Simultaneous Respiratory… Read More »

Carl, an elementary student, was rushed to the hospital due to vomiting and a decreased level of consciousness. The patient displays slow and deep (Kussmaul breathing), and he is lethargic and irritable in response to stimulation. He appears to be dehydrated—his eyes are sunken and mucous membranes are dry—and he has a two-week history of… Read More »

In acid-base balance, the normal plasma PCO2 and bicarbonate levels are disturbed. Match the changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: High plasma PaCO2         A. Metabolic Acidosis      B. Respiratory Alkalosis      C. Metabolic Alkalosis      D. Respiratory Acidosis           Correct Answer: D. Respiratory Acidosis An excess of… Read More »

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 7.39, PaCO2 59, HCO3- 35      A. Respiratory Acidosis, Uncompensated      B. Metabolic Alkalosis, Uncompensated      C. Respiratory Acidosis, Fully Compensated      D. Metabolic Alkalosis, Partially… Read More »

A mother is admitted to the emergency department following complaints of fever and chills. The nurse on duty took her vital signs and noted the following: Temp = 100 °F; apical pulse = 95; respiration = 20 and deep. Measurement of arterial blood gas shows pH 7.37, PaO2 90 mm Hg, PaCO2 40 mm Hg, and HCO3 24… Read More »

A cigarette vendor was brought to the emergency department of a hospital after she fell into the ground and hurt her left leg. She is noted to be tachycardic and tachypneic. Painkillers were carried out to lessen her pain. Suddenly, she started complaining that she is still in pain and now experiencing muscle cramps, tingling,… Read More »

In acid-base balance, the normal plasma PCO2 and bicarbonate levels are disturbed. Match the changes in this parameter with the disorders in the given choices: Decreased plasma bicarbonate (HCO3-)         A. Metabolic Acidosis      B. Respiratory Alkalosis      C. Metabolic Alkalosis      D. Respiratory Acidosis           Correct Answer: A. Metabolic Acidosis The body… Read More »