Acid-Base Interpretation

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I just had a test and have a question on an acid-base interpretation that we had to do.

Here are the ABGs:

pH 7.45

CO2 30

HCO3 32

Both CO2 and HCO3 is showing an alkalotic state. Is this respiratory alkalosis or metabolic alkalosis??...with full compensation.

Please help~! Thanks!!

Is this all the information you were given?

Yes. We had to interpret this as respiratory or metabolic, alkososis/acidic or neither, full or partial compensation.

It doesn't make sense because both CO2 and bicarbonate are showing alkolosis. I wrote full compensation since it is at 7.45. But not sure if this is metabolic or respiratory.

http://www.medcalc.com/acidbase.html says:

(1) partially compensated primary respiratory alkalosis, or

(2) acute superimposed on chronic primary respiratory alkalosis, or

(3) mixed acute respiratory alkalosis with a small metabolic acidosis

pH > 7.48 and HCO3 > 22, for acute (uncompensated)

pH

expected pH = 7.65

expected CO2 = 47

expected HCO3- = 20

Other calculators called it a mixed disorder. Post the explanation, if you get one.

Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

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