Author Question: Which is the correct interpretation of the following arterial blood gas values: pH = 7.26; PCO2 = 64 ... (Read 65 times)

RRMR · **on:** Jul 16, 2018

Which is the correct interpretation of the following arterial blood gas values: pH = 7.26; PCO2 = 64 mm Hg; PO2 = 48 mm Hg; HCO3 = 26 mEq/L; and fractional inspired oxygen (FIO2) = 0.21?

a. Acute respiratory acidosis with moderate hypoxemia
b. Acute metabolic acidosis with severe hy-poxemia
c. Acute metabolic alkalosis with severe hy-poxemia
d. Compensated respiratory acidosis with moderate hypoxemia

Question 2

A patient has the following acid-base status: pH = 7.26; PaCO2= 70 mm Hg; and HCO3 = 31 mEq/L. Which of the following could be the cause of his arterial blood gas status?

a. Diabetes mellitus c. Excess antacid in-gestion
b. Salicylate intoxica-tion d. Acute airway ob-struction

Athena23 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 16, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
A pH of 7.26 indicates an acidosis; a PaCO2 of 64 mm Hg is indicative of a respiratory acidosis; a HCO3 of 26 mEq/L is within normal limits. Therefore, the acid-base balance of the blood gas represents an acute respiratory acidosis. A PO2 of 48 mm Hg represents moderate hypoxemia.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
First, the acid-base balance must be analyzed. A pH of 7.26 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 of 70 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis. The HCO3 of 31 mEq/L is indicative of a compensation for the respiratory acidosis. Therefore, this blood gas result is indicative of partially compensated respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis can be caused by acute airway obstruction. Diabetes mellitus causes metabolic acidosis. Salicylate intoxication causes metabolic acidosis. Excess ant-acid ingestion will cause metabolic alkalosis.