In a patient recovering from cholera, pH = 7.35; [HCO₃^-] = 16 mEq/L; PCO₂ = 30 mmHg. What is the acid-base status of the patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has a pH at the lower limit of normal (7.35), a decreased bicarbonate level ([HCO3-] = 16 mEq/L, indicating a primary metabolic acidosis), and a decreased PCO2 (30 mmHg, indicating respiratory compensation). This combination of findings is consistent with compensated metabolic acidosis.

In a Patient Recovering from Cholera, PH = 7