QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
This ABG shows a case of metabolic acidosis. There is a lowered PaCO2 as a result of respiratory compensation; in addition, the bicarbonate is reduced as the levels of H+ increase. This clinical picture is commonly observed in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis.
10004004
d
pH: 7.25 (7.35-7.45); PaCO2: 2.3( 4.5-6.0) kPa; pO2: 13.2 (10-14) kPa; HCO3: 14 (22-26) mmol/L
QuestionChoice
This shows a picture of metabolic alkalosis with partial respiratory compensation. This could be caused by excessive vomiting that can result in a loss of H+ ions from the body.
10004003
c
pH: 7.49 (7.35-7.45); PaCO2: 6.5 (4.5-6.0) kPa; pO2: 12 (10-14) kPa; HCO3: 30 (22-26) mmol/L
QuestionChoice
This ABG shows a picture of acute on chronic respiratory acidosis with type 2 respiratory failure. Given the patient's history of COPD, he is likely to be a chronic retainer of carbon dioxide and has lowered oxygen levels. This has resulted in chronic respiratory acidosis. In addition, the bicarbonate is raised due to partial metabolic compensation.
10004001
a
pH: 7.26 (7.35-7.45); PaCO2: 8.9 (4.5-6.0) kPa; pO2: 8.1 (10-14) kPa; HCO3: 32 (22-26) mmol/L
QuestionChoice
This ABG shows an acute respiratory alkalosis which can be caused by hyperventilation. In patients with diagnosed COPD, you would expect carbon dioxide and bicarbonate to be elevated.
10004002
b
pH: 7.49 (7.35-7.45); PaCO2: 2.3 (4.5-6.0) kPa; pO2: 11 (10-14) kPa; HCO3: 24 (22-26) mmol/L
QuestionChoice
This is a normal ABG and would not be found in a patient with an acute exacerbation of COPD.
10004005
e
pH: 7.36 (7.35-7.45); PaCO2: 5.0 (4.5-6.0) kPa; pO2: 13.0 (10-14) kPa; HCO3: 24.5 (22-26) mmol/L
QuestionComment
Just because someone has COPD does not mean that they will be a retainer of C02.
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Jaundice Tachycardia
Concept
Chapter
2693
4224
COPD
Topic
150
Respiratory physiology
13347
A 70-year-old male comes into the hospital with breathlessness and complaining of a cough with purulent sputum. His only known past medical history is a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Which of the following would be the most likely ABG results in this patient?
a