QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Although the high pH and low CO2 point to a respiratory alkalosis, there are no signs of compensation (i.e. a low bicarbonate level).
10024288
d
Respiratory alkalosis with metabolic compensation
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect as the bicarbonate in this case is normal. Therefore the acid-base balance cannot be metabolic in nature.
10024289
e
Metabolic alkalosis
QuestionChoice
To determine whether this is an acidosis or an alkalosis, look at the pH value. A value less than 7.35 is an acidosis and a value above 7.45 is an alkalosis. As the pH is above the normal range, this is an alkalosis. Next, to determine whether this is due to the kidneys or lungs, we look at the concentration of carbon dioxide (indicative of a respiratory cause) and bicarbonate (indicative of a metabolic cause). A low CO2 will cause an alkalosis and a high CO2 will cause an acidosis. The opposite applies to bicarbonate, in other words, a low bicarbonate will cause an acidosis. Therefore this is a respiratory alkalosis.
10024285
a
Respiratory alkalosis
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect as the pH is above the normal range, making it an alkalosis.
10024287
c
Respiratory acidosis
QuestionChoice
This is incorrect as the pH is above the normal range, making it an alkalosis.
10024286
b
Metabolic acidosis
Concept
Chapter
2693
5766
Acid-base balance and Arterial blood gas
Topic
150
Respiratory physiology
17255
A 22-year-old female presents to hospital with chest tightness and shortness of breath. The patient tells you that she thinks she is having a panic attack. On examination, she is distressed and tachypnoeic at a respiratory rate of 30. Her ABG is as follows:


||||
|--------------|:-------:|------------------|
|pH|7.49|7.35 - 7.45|
|PaCO₂|3.1 kPa|4.6 - 6.4|
|Bicarbonate|24 mmol/L|22 - 30|

Which acid-base imbalance does this patient have?
a