Question

Tell what the patients acid/base status is and its compensation level. 18. Daniel is a 50-year-old executive who complains of indigestion and heartburn that has increased over the last six months. He says that he took a commercial antacid solution every half hour or so throughout the previous night for symptom relief. His ABG results are: - pH 7.43 - PCO2 49 - HCO3-30

Answer 1

Daniel is in a state of compensated metabolic alkalosis. His pH is close to normal however, through respiratory compensation, his CO2 levels have shot up because the lungs are trying to neutralize alkalinity. HCO3- compensation isn't that effective. The levels of bicarb are brought down by renal compensation.