QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Respiratory alkalosis occurs as a result of hyperventilation, shown by a low pCO2 and a high pO2. His bicarbonate and base excess are normal and do not indicate metabolic compensation.

Respiratory alkalosis can be caused by anything that makes you hyperventilate - e.g. an anxiety attack, pain, hypoxia (in the ascent to altitude), pulmonary embolisms, pneumothorax and excessive mechanical ventilation.
10026730
a
Respiratory alkalosis with no metabolic compensation
QuestionChoice
His pH is alkalotic and his ABG suggests that this is due to a respiratory cause. However, both his bicarbonate and his base excess are normal suggesting that there has not been any metabolic compensation.
10026731
b
Respiratory alkalosis with partial metabolic alkalosis
QuestionChoice
The patient is alkalotic
10026734
e
Respiratory acidosis with no metabolic compensation
QuestionChoice
The patient is alkalotic
10026733
d
Respiratory acidosis with partial metabolic compensation
QuestionChoice
Common causes of metabolic alkalosis include prolonged vomiting, hypovolaemia, diuretic use and hypokalaemia. This would result in a raised pH, bicarbonate and base excess.
10026732
c
Metabolic alkalosis with no respiratory compensation
Concept
Chapter
2693
5915
Acid-base balance
Topic
132
Respiratory
17744
An 18-year-old male presents to A&E after collapsing whilst presenting a poster in front of his class. He is breathing fast and taking lots of deep breaths and is complaining of tingling in his fingers and around his mouth.

An ABG is taken which shows a pH of 7.5, pO2 of 14, pCO2 of 3.4, and an HCO3- of 22. His base excess is +2.

Which of the following is the most accurate description of his acid-base balance
a