A patient has the following acid-base status: pH = 7.26; PaCO₂= 70 mm Hg; and HCO₃- = 31 mEq/L.Which of the following could be the cause of his arterial blood gas status?

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First,the acid-base balance must be analyzed.A pH of 7.26 indicates acidosis.A PaCO₂ of 70 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis.The HCO₃- of 31 mEq/L is indicative of a compensation for the respiratory acidosis.Therefore,this blood gas result is indicative of partially compensated respiratory acidosis.Respiratory acidosis can be caused by acute airway obstruction.Diabetes mellitus causes metabolic acidosis.Salicylate intoxication causes metabolic acidosis.Excess antacid ingestion will cause metabolic alkalosis.

A Patient Has the Following Acid-Base Status: PH = 7