Analysis of an arterial blood sample taken from a healthy athlete reveals a pH of 7.36, a PCO₂of 45 mm Hg, and a PO₂ of 43 mm Hg. Which of the following analytic errors should you suspect?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The pH, PCO2, and PO2 values in arterial blood differ from those in venous blood, and mixing arterial and venous blood can lead to inaccurate measurements. Thus, the analytical error that should be suspected in this case is admixture with venous blood.

Analysis of an Arterial Blood Sample Taken from a Healthy