ABG showing pH 7.29, PCO2 50, HCO3- 25 indicates:

ABG showing pH 7.29, PCO2 50, HCO3- 25 indicates:

• A. Metabolic alkalosis, partially compensated
• B. Respiratory acidosis, uncompensated
• C. A dual problem of acidosis
• D. An error in measurement

Answer: (B)

Acid-base status is determined by pH and the accompanying respiratory and metabolic clues. Here the pH is acidemic, so there’s an acid-base disorder. The high PCO2 of 50 mmHg points to a primary respiratory problem—retention of CO2 causing respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate value of 25 mEq/L is within the normal range and shows no metabolic compensation yet. In acute respiratory acidosis, HCO3- may rise modestly, but because the pH remains acidemic and there isn’t a clear elevated HCO3- to reflect compensation, this pattern fits a respiratory acidosis that is uncompensated.

Acid-base status is determined by pH and the accompanying respiratory and metabolic clues. Here the pH is acidemic, so there’s an acid-base disorder. The high PCO2 of 50 mmHg points to a primary respiratory problem—retention of CO2 causing respiratory acidosis. The bicarbonate value of 25 mEq/L is within the normal range and shows no metabolic compensation yet. In acute respiratory acidosis, HCO3- may rise modestly, but because the pH remains acidemic and there isn’t a clear elevated HCO3- to reflect compensation, this pattern fits a respiratory acidosis that is uncompensated.