A patient has the following acid-base status: pH = 7.26; PaCO2= 70 mm Hg; and HCO3– = 31 mEq/L. Which of the following could be the cause of his arterial blood gas status?

a. Diabetes mellitus c. Excess antacid in-gestion
b. Salicylate intoxica-tion d. Acute airway ob-struction


ANS: D
First, the acid-base balance must be analyzed. A pH of 7.26 indicates acidosis. A PaCO2 of 70 mm Hg indicates respiratory acidosis. The HCO3– of 31 mEq/L is indicative of a compensation for the respiratory acidosis. Therefore, this blood gas result is indicative of partially compensated respiratory acidosis. Respiratory acidosis can be caused by acute airway obstruction. Diabetes mellitus causes metabolic acidosis. Salicylate intoxication causes metabolic acidosis. Excess ant-acid ingestion will cause metabolic alkalosis.

Health Professions

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