A middle-aged woman came to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea, pressure in head and increased respiratory rate. She was known to have pulmonary edema secondary to heart failure. On examination, there was tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypertension. ABGs were carried out which showed pH 42 mm of HG, and H₂CO₃ was also high. What is the likely diagnosis?

Question

A middle-aged woman came to the emergency department with worsening dyspnea, pressure in head and increased respiratory rate. She was known to have pulmonary edema secondary to heart failure. On examination, there was tachycardia, tachypnea, and hypertension. ABGs were carried out which showed pH < 7.35, paCO₂>42 mm of HG, and H₂CO₃ was also high. What is the likely diagnosis?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely diagnosis in the patient with pulmonary edema presenting with increased respiratory rates is respiratory acidosis because ph < 7.35, paCO₂ >42 mm of Hg and H₂CO₃ is also high. These, along with her symptoms of worsening dyspnea and pressure in the head are all indicators of respiratory acidosis.

A Middle-Aged Woman Came to the Emergency Department with Worsening