A patient has a bicarbonate concentration of 36 mEq and a PCO2 of 60 mm Hg. What is the ap-proximate pH?

a. 7.2
b. 7.3
c. 7.4
d. 7.5


ANS: C
The kidneys compensate by retaining HCO3–, returning the plasma HCO3–/dissolved CO2 ratio to almost 20:1. The conversion of PCO2 to mEq is done by multiplying by 0.03.
Thus 60 ⋅ 0.03 = 1.8. 36 to 1.8 is equal to a 20 to 1 ratio, thus the pH should be 7.40.

Health Professions

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