MEDizzy - A patient has the following arterial blood values: pH =

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RENAL & ACID-BASE PHYSIOLOGY

A patient has the following arterial blood values: pH = 7.52 PCO2 = 20 mm Hg [HCO3−] = 16 mEq/L Which of the following statements about this patient is most likely to be correct?

ExplanationFirst, the acid–base disorder must be diagnosed. Alkaline pH, low PCO2, and low HCO3− are consistent with respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the [H+] is decreased and less H ion is bound to negatively charged sites on plasma proteins. As a result, more Ca ion is bound to proteins and, therefore, the ionized [Ca2+] decreases. There is no respiratory compensation for primary respiratory disorders. The patient is hyperventilating, which is the cause of the respiratory alkalosis.