Based on the following ABG results, what is the most likely acid-base diagnosis? pH = 7.38, PCO2 = 21 mm Hg, HCO3– = 11.7 mEq/L

a. Acute metabolic acidosis
b. Fully compensated metabolic acidosis
c. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
d. Fully compensated respiratory alkalosis


ANS: B
The patient's pH is normal so either the gas is normal or fully compensated. As the PCO2 and HCO3– are both low, a fully compensated state exists. As the pH is on the low side of normal the fully compensated disorder would be acidosis. This would be caused by a low HCO3– or a high PCO2. In this case a low HCO3–. The low PCO2 is compensating for this metabolic acidosis.

Health Professions

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