Question

Acid-Base Imbalances

Interpret the following acid-base imbalances.

pH - 7.50; PaCO2 - 30 mm Hg; HCO3 - 24 mEq/L

pH - 7.62; PaCO2 - 48mm Hg; HCO3 - 45mEq/L

pH - 7.22; PaCO2 - 28mm Hg; HCO3 - 16 mEq/L

pH - 7.44; PaCO2 - 54 mm Hg; HCO3 - 36 mEq/L

pH - 7.26; PaCO2 - 56 mm Hg; HCO3 - 24 mEq/L

pH - 7.35; PaCO2 - 56 mm Hg; HCO3 - 36 mEq/L

Explain the acid-balance associated with the following etiology and what the physiological effect/rational for each:

increased base bicarbonate

decreased base bicarbonate

increased carbonic acid (CO2)

decreased carbonic acid (CO2)

severe shock

sedative or opioid overdose

baking soda use as antacid

renal failure

anxiety, fear, pain

prolonged vomiting

prolonged diarrhea

hyperventilation/tachypnea

Intravenous fluid (IV fluid regimen).

A patient need free water and intracellular hydration due to acute gastroenteritis and NPO status. Which IV fluid infusion would you anticipate the healthcare provider prescribing and why?

What is the appropriate IV fluid to treat an extracellular fluid volume deficit and why?

Answer 1

Normal values:
pH: 7.36 – 7.44
PCo2: 36 – 44 mm Hg
HCO3: 22 – 26 mEq/L
If pH is low it is acidic and if high it is alkaline.
If pH is low and PCo2 is high it is respiratory acidosis
If pH is low and HCo3 is low it is metabolic acidosis
If pH is high and PCo2 is low it is respiratory alkalosis
If pH is high and HCo3 is high it is metabolic alkalosis.
1. Respiratory alkalosis
2. Metabolic alkalosis
3. Metabolic acidosis
4. Mixed respiratory acidosis or metabolic alkalosis
5. Respiratory acidosis
6. Respiratory acidosis