Which set of arterial blood values describes a heavy smoker with a history of emphysema and chronic bronchitis who is becoming increasingly somnolent?
$ \quad \quad \mathrm{pH} \quad \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(\mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}) \quad \mathrm{PcO}_{2}(\mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}) $

Question

Which set of arterial blood values describes a heavy smoker with a history of emphysema and chronic bronchitis who is becoming increasingly somnolent?
$  \quad  \quad \mathrm{pH} \quad \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(\mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}) \quad \mathrm{PcO}_{2}(\mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}) $

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

[IX D 3; Tables 5.8 and 5.9]. The history strongly suggests chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a cause of respiratory acidosis. Because of the COPD, the ventilation rate is decreased and $\mathrm{CO}_{2}$ is retained. The $\left[\mathrm{H}^{+}\right]$and $\left[\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}\right]$are increased by mass action. The $\left[\mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}\right]$is further increased by renal compensation for respiratory acidosis (increased $\mathrm{HCO}_{3}{ }^{-}$reabsorption by the kidney is facilitated by the high $\mathrm{Pco}_{2}$ ).

Which Set of Arterial Blood Values Describes a Heavy Smoker pHHCO3−(mEq/L)PcO2( mmHg) \quad \quad \mathrm{pH} \quad \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(\mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}) \quad \mathrm{PcO}_{2}(\mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}) pHHCO3−​(mEq/L)PcO2​( mmHg)

Which Set of Arterial Blood Values Describes a Heavy Smoker $\quad \quad \mathrm{pH} \quad \mathrm{HCO}_{3}^{-}(\mathrm{mEq} / \mathrm{L}) \quad \mathrm{PcO}_{2}(\mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg})$