A 28-year-old lethargic female is admitted to the emergency department and has the following blood gases obtained on an F_IO₂ of 0.21: Which of the following best describes the acid-base status of this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The blood gases show a pH of 7.20, a partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) of 60 mmHg, and a bicarbonate (HCO3) level of 24 mEq/L. This is indicative of respiratory acidosis, as the PCO2 is elevated and the pH is lower than normal. The patient is likely hypoventilating, which leads to an accumulation of CO2 in the blood and an increase in carbonic acid. There is no evidence of metabolic acidosis or compensated metabolic alkalosis, as the HCO3 level is within normal range. There is also no evidence of compensation, as the pH is still below normal. Therefore, the best answer is B.

A 28-Year-Old Lethargic Female Is Admitted to the Emergency Department