need help with ABG question

Nurses General Nursing

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My teacher gave us a bunch of ABG practice questions. I did most of them but is one that I cannot figure out. Anybody have any input on this and the rationale for it? Thank you!!!!

ph- 7.5

PCO2- 50

HCO3- 23

Hello everyone,

I think I can give a little insight here. pH of 7.5, alkalosis, period. pCO2 of 50mmHg, hypoventilation, period. Don't forget, the HCO3 from a blood gas analysis is calculated, NOT measured! This is an example of an analytical error of some sort. A respiratory acidosis as compensation for metabolic alkalosis is non existent. Although these values would suggest that. CO2 is THE ONLY measurement of ventilation.(not resp. rate ;)) There is an inverse relationship between arterial CO2 tension, and pH, in other words, the more CO2 the more acidotic. Obviously the renal system can partially or fully compensate for chronic hypercapnea. (resp. acidosis)

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