An individual with a 20-year history of smoking three packs/day who has emphysema has the following data: pH = 7.37; [HCO₃⁻] = 28 mEq/L; Pco₂ = 50 mm Hg.Which acid-base disturbance is consistent with this clinical scenario and these arterial blood gas measurements?

Question

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The arterial blood gas measurements indicate a slightly elevated bicarbonate level ([HCO3-] = 28 mEq/L) and an elevated partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco2 = 50 mm Hg) with a normal pH (7.37), suggesting that the individual has respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange (common in emphysema) with renal compensation (evidenced by the elevated bicarbonate level to buffer the acidosis), making it chronic respiratory acidosis.

An Individual with a 20-Year History of Smoking Three Packs/day