Case Study

LD is a 56 yo M admitted 2° c/o shortness of breath and difficulty breathing and is diagnosed with pneumonia. He has a history of CHF, osteoarthritis, HTN, gout, and coronary artery disease.

Ht 5’9 ½” Wt 220#

LABS: Na 133 ABGs: ph 7.49 (7.35-7.45)

CL 103 pCO₂ 30 (35-45)

BUN 25 pO₂ 96 (80-100)

Glu 207 HCO₃ 29 (21-28)

K 4.1

CO₂ 34

Cr 1.7

ALB 3.2

CHOL 320

-What factor is contributing to his acid-base disorder?

Question

Case Study

LD is a 56 yo M admitted 2° c/o shortness of breath and difficulty breathing and is diagnosed with pneumonia. He has a history of CHF, osteoarthritis, HTN, gout, and coronary artery disease.
Ht 5’9 ½” Wt 220#
LABS:	Na	133	ABGs:	ph	7.49	(7.35-7.45)
	CL	103		pCO₂	30	(35-45)
	BUN	25		pO₂	96	(80-100)
	Glu	207		HCO₃	29	(21-28)
	K	4.1
	CO₂	34
	Cr	1.7
	ALB	3.2
	CHOL	320

-What factor is contributing to his acid-base disorder?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ABG results show a respiratory alkalosis with a pCO2 of 30 mmHg (below the normal range of 35-45 mmHg), indicating that LD is breathing too quickly and exhaling too much carbon dioxide. This is likely due to his current respiratory symptoms of shortness of breath and difficulty breathing related to his pneumonia. The other listed conditions (gout, coronary artery disease, HTN) are not directly related to his acid-base disorder. LD is diagnosed with pneumonia and c/o shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, indicating that respiratory alkalosis is contributing to the acid-base disorder. The ABG results show a pH of 7.49 (alkaline), pCO2 of 30 (below normal), and HCO3 of 29 (above normal) which also support respiratory alkalosis. His other medical conditions may be relevant but are not direct factors contributing to the acid-base disorder.