You are being given information on one patient. After reviewing the data for eac

Question

You are being given information on one patient. After reviewing the data for each patient, you must: 1. Assign a diagnosis (respiratory acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, metabolic alkalosis) 2. Provide a rationale for the diagnosis 3. Explain how the patient is compensating for their condition Normal values pH: 7.35 - 7.45 pCO_2: 35 - 45 mm HCO_2: 22.26/L Patient 2: Lab Results pH: 7.10 pCO_2: 68 mm HCO_: 35 meq/L Symptoms Patient 2 arrived at the emergency room complaining of a shortness of breath and shallow breathing. A brief interview reveals that she is a chain smoker with emphysema. Diagnosis: Rationale: Compensation:

Explanation / Answer

Ans 1. Respiratory acidosis.

Ans 2. pH of 7.1 indicates acidosis. Lungs cannot remove excess CO2 due to emphysema and hence excess  CO2 causes the pH of blood and body fluids to be acidic. pCO2 is high.

Ans 3. Emphysema is a form of chronic respiratory acidosis. Hence the patient's kidneys are compensating the acidosis by secreting more HCO3- ions to help maintain ionic balance.

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