A patient who is being treated for pneumonia starts complaining of sudden shortness of breath. An arterial blood gas $(\mathrm{ABG})$ is drawn. The $\mathrm{ABG}$ has the following values: $\mathrm{pH} 7.21, \mathrm{PaCO}_{2} 64 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$, $\mathrm{HCO}_{3}=24 \mathrm{~mm} \mathrm{Hg}$. What does the ABG reflect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The $\mathrm{pH}$ is below $7.40, \mathrm{PaCO}_{2}$ is greater than 40 , and the $\mathrm{HCO}_{3}$ is normal; therefore, it is a respiratory acidosis, and compensation by the kidneys has not begun, which indicates this was probably an acute event. The $\mathrm{HCO}_{3}$ of 24 is within the normal range so it is not metabolic alkalosis. The $\mathrm{pH}$ of 7.21 indicates an acidosis, not alkalosis. The $\mathrm{pH}$ of 7.21 indicates it is an acidosis but the $\mathrm{HCO}_{3}$ of 24 is within the normal range, ruling out metabolic acidosis.

A Patient Who Is Being Treated for Pneumonia Starts Complaining (ABG)(\mathrm{ABG})(ABG)

A Patient Who Is Being Treated for Pneumonia Starts Complaining $(\mathrm{ABG})$