Your 15-year-old dizzy patient arrives at the emergency department after winning a breath holding contest. Her laboratory values are as follows: pH 7.10; HCO_3- 4 mEq/L; PCO₂ 17 mmHg. What is the acid-base status of this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's laboratory values indicate a low pH (7.10), which suggests acidosis. The low bicarbonate (HCO3-) level also points towards a metabolic cause. The low PCO2 is a compensatory mechanism for the metabolic acidosis, not the primary disorder, making "Partially compensated metabolic acidosis" the correct answer.

Your 15-Year-Old Dizzy Patient Arrives at the Emergency Department After