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A patient's ABG shows: pH 7.32. PaCO2 50 mmHg. HCO3 24 mEq/L. What is the correct diagnosis?

A.

Metabolic acidosis

B.

Respiratory acidosis

C.

Respiratory alkalosis

D.

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3, which is not present in this case since HCO3 is normal.  
B. The pH of 7.32 indicates acidemia, and a PaCO2 of 50 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the body is retaining carbon dioxide, contributing to the low pH. The HCO3 is normal, indicating that there is no metabolic compensation occurring.  
C. Respiratory alkalosis would show a high pH and low PaCO2, which is not the case here.  
D. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and elevated HCO3, which is also not present in these ABG results.
 


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (7.32) and an elevated PaCO2 (48 mm Hg), indicating that the body is unable to eliminate CO2 effectively, leading to acid retention. The HCO3 level is within normal limits, suggesting that there is not a metabolic compensation occurring yet.
B. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and elevated bicarbonate levels, which is not the case here.
C. Respiratory alkalosis typically shows a high pH and low PaCO2, indicating hyperventilation, which does not align with the current findings.
D. Metabolic acidosis would show a low pH with a low HCO3, which is not supported by the HCO3 level of 23 mEq/L in this case.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Increased systemic vascular resistance is typically associated with hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, not distributive shock.
B. Distributive shock is characterized by systemic vasodilation, which leads to a decrease in systemic vascular resistance and results in inadequate tissue perfusion despite normal or increased cardiac output.
C. Loss of myocardial contractility is related to cardiogenic shock, not distributive shock.
D. Loss of blood volume is a characteristic of hypovolemic shock, whereas distributive shock occurs even when blood volume is normal due to vasodilation.

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