Question

IF HCo₃ is low and pCO₂ is low, pH is low. What is the cause and what do you check next?

A) Metabolic acidosis; Check anion gap
B) Respiratory acidosis; Check respiratory rate
C) Metabolic alkalosis; Check for vomiting or suctioning
D) Respiratory alkalosis; Check for anxiety or hyperventilation

Answer 1

The condition described is metabolic acidosis, and the next step would be to check the anion gap to determine the cause of the bicarbonate deficiency. Common causes include kidney disease, diabetes, or ingestion of toxins.

Step-by-step explanation:

If HCO3 is low and pCO2 is low while the pH is low, this suggests a metabolic acidosis condition. Metabolic acidosis occurs when the blood is too acidic due to too little bicarbonate. In such a situation, we would check the anion gap next. This can help determine the cause of the metabolic acidosis, such as whether it's due to the accumulation of acids in the blood or a loss of bicarbonate. Common causes of metabolic acidosis include kidney disease, diabetes (ketoacidosis), or ingestion of toxins.

Lab tests like the pH, pCO2, and HCO3 concentrations are critical in identifying whether an acid-base imbalance is due to a metabolic or respiratory condition, and to what extent the body is compensating for this imbalance. If compensation has occurred, then pCO2 levels would be low, as the body tries to expel more carbon dioxide to offset the low levels of bicarbonate.