Question

1Give me the pH CO2 and HCO-3 values for a patient experiencing a panic attack, and explain.

2. Give me the pH CO2 and HCO-3 values for a patient that suffered an accidental overdose on heroin and is unresponsive, and explain.

include number please

Answer 1

NORMAL ABG VALUES

pH - 7.35 to 7.45

PaCO2 - 35 to 45mmHg

PaO2 - 75 to 100mmHg

HCO3 - 22 to 26mEq/L

Question 1

During a PANIC ATTACK, patient hyperventilates more that leads to excessive alveolar ventilation which causes RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS, resulting in more CO2 than normal being exhaled. As a result;

pH in blood increases

PaCO2 decreases

HCO3 remains same.

​​​​​Question 2

Heroin is an opoid.

Opoid overdose induces ARDS (ACUTE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME), which leads to severe HYPOXEMIA (decrease Oxygen level in blood) & HYPERCAPNIA (increased or retention of Carbon dioxide in blood). Hence ABG values will be as follows;

Decreased pH (ACIDOSIS)

INCREASED PaCO2 (RESPIRATORY)

DECREASED PaCO2

Decreased HCO3

Hence it causes a RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS

Example for a heroin overdose ABG VALUES

pH - 7.22

PaCO2 - 70mmHg

PaCO2 - 42mmHg

HCO3 - 19mEq/L