Acid/Base Balance Question

[Faye1]

PCO2 = 54

HCO3 = 35

pH = 7.35

PaO2 = 89 %

What state of acid-base balance is this person in? Could you please explain your answer to me?

Many thanks!! : )

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

What do you think it is?

[Faye1]

Respiratory Acidosis with Metabolic Alkalosis.

[nickel78]

Its been a while since I did this in school but I think it is Compensated Respiratory Acidosis. The pH is in the normal range of 7.35-7.45, but its on the low end heading towards acidosis

The PCO2 is too high suggesting respiratory acidosis. (Normal range for PCO2 is 35-45). However the pH is able to stay in the normal range because the HCO3, which is a base, is also elevated and is compensating for the respiratory acidosis. (Normal PHCO3 range is 22-26)

[bashabab]

This is a classic compensated respiratory acidosis. The PH tends to remain in the normal range but is more toward acidosis. PaCo2 is high, acidic, but the HCO3 is also high indicating that the body has compensated and normalized the PH. Look up Compensated, uncompensated and mixed ABG's in you text.

[Faye1]

Thank you guys very much. I guess I was wondering if my answer was incorrect....even though it's not the BEST answer. Let me know your thoughts on this!

[CuriousMe]

Thank you guys very much. I guess I was wondering if my answer was incorrect....even though it's not the BEST answer. Let me know your thoughts on this!

You have the right idea, but your answer was stated wrong. It's not respiratory acidosis.... because the pH is not low enough to be considered acidosis. But, because we can look at the CO2 and HCO3 and see that the values support Respiratory acidosis. Does that make sense?

So, the answer needs to be compensated respiratory acidosis....that lets us know that the respiratory acidosis is happening, but that the pH is not low enough to be acidotic.

Does that make sense?