A patient with a measured plasma HCO₃^- concentration of 24 mmol/L has an episode of acute hypoventilation, with the PCO₂ rising from 40 to 70 mm Hg. What do you predict will happen acutely to the plasma HCO₃^-concentration?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The increase in PCO₂ will cause a shift in the Haldane effect, decreasing the affinity of hemoglobin for CO2 and increasing CO2 concentration in the plasma. This will lead to an increase in HCO₃F1F1F1S1^F1F1F10 concentration to maintain equilibrium between the plasma and alveolar CO2. The expected rise in HCO₃F1F1F1S1^F1F1F10 concentration is about 27 to 28 mmol/L.

A Patient with a Measured Plasma HCO3- Concentration of 24

A Patient with a Measured Plasma HCO₃^- Concentration of 24