Final answer:
The arterial blood gas results indicate a normal acid-base balance since pH, pCO2, and HCO3 values are all within the normal reference ranges provided.
Step-by-step explanation:
To interpret the arterial blood gas results provided, we must look at the key components, including pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂), partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂), bicarbonate ion concentration (HCO₃), and oxygen saturation (O₂ Sat). The values given are pH: 7.39, pCO₂: 44 mm Hg, pO₂: 143 mm Hg, HCO₃: 23 mM, and O₂ Sat: 100%. According to the reference values in Table 26.3, a normal pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, so the given pH of 7.39 is within normal limits. The pCO₂ for a male patient should be within 35-48 mm Hg and a female should be within 32-45 mm Hg; therefore, a pCO₂ values of 44 mm Hg is also in the normal range. Finally, a normal total venous bicarbonate level is between 22-29 mM, and the given HCO₃ level of 23 mM aligns with that range.