Question

In the case where the patient has a PaO2 of 40, pH of 7.01, PaCO2 of 74, and HCO3 of 12, and the diagnosis is ARF and Sepsis, what type of problem is indicated?

Answer 1

The lab results indicate metabolic acidosis, likely caused by lactic acidosis in the context of sepsis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The lab results provided indicate a condition called metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis occurs when there is an excess of acid or a decrease in bicarbonate levels in the blood. In this case, the low level of HCO3 (bicarbonate) at 12 suggests an imbalance in the body's acid-base balance.

The low pH of 7.01 indicates acidosis, and the elevated PaCO2 of 74 suggests a respiratory problem. However, since the HCO3 is also low, it points towards a metabolic acidosis rather than a respiratory acidosis. This can be further confirmed by calculating the anion gap. In the context of sepsis, **lactic acidosis** could be a possible mechanism contributing to these lab results.