Based on the following ABG results, what is the most likely acid-base diagnosis? pH = 7.35, PCO2 = 68 mm Hg, HCO3– = 34.3 mEq/L
a. Acute respiratory acidosis
b. Combined metabolic and respiratory aci-dosis
c. Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
d. Fully compensated metabolic alkalosis
ANS: C
The patient's pH is normal so either the gas is normal or fully compensated. As the PCO2 and HCO3− are both high, a fully compensated state exists. As the pH is on the low side of normal the fully compensated disorder would be acidosis. This would be caused by a low HCO3– or a high PCO2– in this case a high PCO2. The high HCO3– is compensating for this respiratory acido-sis.
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