If the pH is 7.20 and the PaCO₂ is 80 mmHg, what would the HCO₃- equal if the "rule of thumb" is applied?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The "rule of thumb" for metabolic compensation in respiratory acidosis suggests that for every 10 mmHg increase in PaCO2 above the normal 40 mmHg, the HCO3- increases by 1 mEq/L from the normal 24 mEq/L. Here, PaCO2 is 80 mmHg, which is 40 mmHg above normal. Therefore, the expected increase in HCO3- would be 4 mEq/L (40 mmHg / 10), making the total HCO3- 28 mEq/L (24 + 4 = 28).

If the PH Is 7