Final answer:
Lab tests for pH, CO₂ partial pressure (pCO₂), and HCO3- help identify acidosis and alkalosis, indicating whether the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic. The blood pH, pCO₂, and HCO3- values can determine if there has been compensation by the body. Metabolic acid-base imbalances usually result from kidney disease, and the respiratory system responds to compensate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lab tests for pH, CO₂ partial pressure (pCO₂), and HCO3- can identify acidosis and alkalosis, indicating whether the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic, and the extent to which compensatory mechanisms are working. The blood pH value, as shown in Table 26.3, indicates whether the blood is in acidosis, the normal range, or alkalosis. The pCO₂ and total HCO3- values aid in determining whether the condition is metabolic or respiratory, and whether the patient has been able to compensate for the problem. Table 26.3 lists the conditions and laboratory results that can be used to classify these conditions. Metabolic acid-base imbalances typically result from kidney disease, and the respiratory system usually responds to compensate.