Based on the following ABG results, what is the most likely acid-base diagnosis? pH = 6.89, PCO2 = 24 mm Hg, HCO3– = 4.7 mEq/L

a. Acute (uncompensated) metabolic acidosis
b. Acute (uncompensated) respiratory acido-sis
c. Partially compensated metabolic acidosis
d. Partially compensated respiratory acidosis


ANS: C
The patient is acidotic (pH <7.35). This can be caused by an elevated PCO2 or a low HCO3–. In this question the HCO3- is low. Partial compensation is present as the PCO2 is also low.

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