Question

A person walks into the emergency room with rapid and shallow breathing and a feeling of light-headedness. A blood test shows high levels of bicarbonate ions and a pH of 7.34. What could explain these symptoms?

metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation
respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
respiratory alkylosis with renal compensation
acidosis with no compensation
metabolic alkylosis with respiratory compensation

Answer 1

Metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation can explain the symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the symptoms described, the condition that could explain these symptoms is metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation. In metabolic acidosis, there is an excess of acid in the body, leading to low blood pH and high bicarbonate levels. The compensatory mechanism in this case involves the respiratory system increasing the breathing rate to exhale more carbon dioxide and reduce acidity. This leads to the feeling of light-headedness and rapid, shallow breathing.