Question

PH 7.30, PO2 80 mm Hg, PaCO2 55 mm Hg, HCO3- 22 mEq/L

These ABG values indicate respiratory acidosis. The pH is less than 7.35 and the PaCO2 is greater than 45 mm Hg, which indicates respiratory acidosis.

Answer 1

The ABG values provided indicate respiratory acidosis, characterized by a pH below the normal range and an elevated PaCO2 level, with bicarbonate levels on the lower end of normal, suggesting limited or no compensation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The laboratory results presented indicate a condition of respiratory acidosis. With a pH of 7.30, which is below the normal arterial blood pH range of 7.35 to 7.45, the blood is undoubtedly in a state of acidosis. The elevated PaCO2 value of 55 mm Hg further confirms that this acidosis is of respiratory origin, as it exceeds the normal male range of 35-48 mm Hg and female range of 32-45 mm Hg. The bicarbonate level (HCO3-) of 22 mEq/L is on the lower end of the normal range (22-29 mM), suggesting an initial stage where compensatory mechanisms have not significantly increased bicarbonate levels yet.

Normal blood pH is tightly regulated, and deviations can result in significant health issues. Acidosis can manifest through symptoms like headache, confusion, and lethargy, and if severe, can be fatal. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an excess of CO2 in the blood, and the body may compensate by increasing bicarbonate levels; however, in this case, there is no clear evidence of full compensatory increase.