Which is the correct interpretation of the following arterial blood gas values: pH = 7.26; PCO2 = 64 mm Hg; PO2 = 48 mm Hg; HCO3– = 26 mEq/L; and fractional inspired oxygen (FIO2) = 0.21?
a. Acute respiratory acidosis with moderate hypoxemia
b. Acute metabolic acidosis with severe hy-poxemia
c. Acute metabolic alkalosis with severe hy-poxemia
d. Compensated respiratory acidosis with moderate hypoxemia
ANS: A
A pH of 7.26 indicates an acidosis; a PaCO2 of 64 mm Hg is indicative of a respiratory acidosis; a HCO3– of 26 mEq/L is within normal limits. Therefore, the acid-base balance of the blood gas represents an acute respiratory acidosis. A PO2 of 48 mm Hg represents moderate hypoxemia.
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