Question

A 72-year-old female admitted to the unit with alteration in mental status. An ABG is ordered with these results:

Patient: Test Patient 5

Date:      April 10, 2007          1000

pH                   7.33

PaCO₂             60

HCO₃^-             36

pH	PCO2	HCO3-

Patient is in _____________________________________

Answer 1

As per the given ABG parameters, patient is Compensated respiratory acidosis.

Because pH of <7.35, HCO3 > 28 meq/ L and PaCO2 > 45mmHg shows the patient has compensated respiratory acidosis.

Altered mental status is important sign of respiratory acidosis.

Acute respiratory acidosis will have initial symptoms like headache, anxiety, blurred vision, restlessness and confusion.

Respiratory acidosis is usually occurs with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, sleep apnea.

It can be treated with bronchodilator medicine, corticosteroid and oxygen therapy if needed. CPAP OR BIPAP in some cases.