A patient has a confirmed metabolic acidosis with a normal PCO 2 . What inference can you draw from these findings?

A normal PCO2 in the presence of metabolic acidosis suggests that the expected respiratory compensation (hyperventilation to lower PCO2) is not occurring, indicating a possible coexisting ventilatory disorder.

A patient has a confirmed metabolic acidosis with a normal PCO 2 . What inference can you draw from these findings?

A normal PCO2 in the presence of metabolic acidosis suggests that the expected respiratory compensation (hyperventilation to lower PCO2) is not occurring, indicating a possible coexisting ventilatory disorder.

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A Patient Has a Confirmed Metabolic Acidosis with a Normal

Question 71

Multiple Choice

A patient has a confirmed metabolic acidosis with a normal PCO₂. What inference can you draw from these findings?

A) A ventilatory disorder must coexist.
B) Compensation for the acidosis has begun.
C) The patient is hyperventilating.
D) The values obtained must be in error.

Correct Answer: