Final answer:
The patient with a pH of 7.48 and an HCO3 of 32 is experiencing metabolic alkalosis, which may be associated with conditions like bulimia due to the loss of stomach acids through vomiting. Compensation occurs if the respiratory system tries to retain CO2, though normal pCO2 levels indicate no or incomplete compensation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The patient with a pH of 7.48 and an HCO3 of 32 has an acid-base disorder characterized as metabolic alkalosis. This condition arises when there is an elevation in blood pH above the normal range of 7.35-7.45, accompanied by an increased bicarbonate level. Metabolic alkalosis can occur due to various factors, such as vomiting, diuretic use, or hormonal disorders that cause an accumulation of bicarbonate or a loss of hydrogen ions. Patients with bulimia, like the case study of Kim, may experience metabolic alkalosis as a result of recurrent vomiting which leads to the loss of stomach acids and a relative increase in bicarbonate in the bloodstream.
Compensation may occur if the respiratory system attempts to correct the high pH by reducing breathing rate or volume to retain carbon dioxide (CO2), thus increasing the levels of carbonic acid in the blood. However, if CO2 levels remain in the normal range, as with Kim, it indicates incomplete or no respiratory compensation. It is crucial for medical professionals to understand these disorders to provide appropriate treatment and manage the underlying cause.