QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
There would be an increase in HCO3-, and buffering capacity, causing a rise in pH, suggesting metabolic alkalosis. With respiratory compensation, lung chemoreceptors are inhibited, reducing respiration and increasing CO2, which decreases pH.
10006655
e
Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation
QuestionChoice
There would be a rise in H+ (acid) production and loss of buffering, leading to a decreased HCO3- and decreased pH, suggesting metabolic acidosis. With respiratory compensation, lung chemoreceptors are stimulated, increasing respiration and decreasing CO2, to help increase the pH.
10006652
b
Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
QuestionChoice
There would be an increase in pCO2 causing a drop in pH, suggesting respiratory acidosis. With renal compensation the kidneys increase H+ secretion, which increases HCO3- release, leading to a pH increase.
10006654
d
Respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
QuestionChoice
There would be a decrease in CO2, leading to a raised pH, suggesting respiratory alkalosis. With renal compensation, the kidneys retain H+ by decreasing H+ secretion, which also results in decreased HCO3- reabsorption which lowers the buffering capacity and base excess, decreasing the pH.
10006653
c
Respiratory alkalosis with renal compensation
QuestionChoice
The patient has a raised pH, suggesting alkalosis. His pO2 and pCO2 levels are normal, whilst his HCO3- is raised, suggesting a metabolic cause. If he had respiratory compensation, he would have a raised pCO2, essentially meaning he would have to hypoventilate.
10006651
a
Metabolic alkalosis with no respiratory compensation
Concept
Chapter
2693
4485
Acid-Base Balance and the Arterial Blood Gas
Topic
150
Respiratory physiology
13877
A 72-year-old man is brought to A&E with persistent vomiting, new onset arrhythmia and normal breathing. An arterial blood gas (ABG) is taken and is shown below:

- pH: 7.55 (7.35-7.45)
- pO2: 10.5 (10-14)
- pCO2: 5.0 (1.5-6.0)
- HCO3-: 30 (22-26)
- BE: +5 (-2 to +2)
What is the most appropriate interpretation of this ABG?
a