QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Whilst pH would be low in a partially compensated metabolic acidosis, BE would also be low due to a metabolic cause. The partial compensation here would come from hyperventilation, leading to a reduced PaCO2.
10002174
c
Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
QuestionChoice
Whilst a low pH would be seen, BE would be low in metabolic acidosis. As there is no respiratory compensation in an uncompensated metabolic acidosis, PaCO2 would be normal.
10002176
e
Uncompensated metabolic acidosis
QuestionChoice
The low pH here accompanied by high PaCO2 suggests that the high PaCO2 is causing the increased acidity. Therefore this is a respiratory acidosis. Base excess is higher than normal, suggesting that the body is trying to counteract the acidity, making this a partially compensated respiratory acidosis.
10002172
a
Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
QuestionChoice
Here, pH would be normal and BE would be low due to a metabolic cause. This would be fully compensated by a low PaCO2.
10002175
d
Fully compensated metabolic acidosis
QuestionChoice
Although this is a respiratory acidosis (given the high PaCO2 and high BE), it is not fully compensated. In a fully compensated respiratory acidosis pH would be normal.
10002173
b
Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
Concept
Chapter
2693
4015
Causes of respiratory acidosis
Topic
170
Clinical Chemistry
12981
A patient with suspected acid-base imbalance has an arterial blood gas performed. The results are as follows:

pH: 7.31
PaCO2: 6.8kPa
Base excess(BE): 3

Normal ranges:
pH: 7.35-7.45
PaCO2: 4.7-6.4kPa
Base excess: -2 to 2

What acid-base imbalance is this?
a