What is the interpretation of the following blood gas information: pH is 7.36, PaCO₂ is 80 mm Hg, and HCO₃^- is 44 mEq/L?

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If the pH is 7.36, the PaCO₂ is 80 mm Hg, and the HCO₃^- is 44 mEq/L, compensation is present because the pH is in the normal range, although it is on the acid side of normal. The primary cause of the original acid-base disturbance (before compensatory activity started) must be the factor that would produce acidemia (i.e., the high PaCO₂ of 80 mm Hg). Thus, this set of blood gases would be classified as signifying compensated (chronic) respiratory acidosis.

What Is the Interpretation of the Following Blood Gas Information