Which ABG pattern represents metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation?

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Study for the Adult Health HESI Exam with this comprehensive guide. Explore multiple choice questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Prepare effectively and succeed in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which ABG pattern represents metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation?

Explanation:
In metabolic acidosis, the bicarbonate level falls, which lowers the blood pH (acidemia). The body compensates by increasing ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide, so the PaCO2 decreases. Therefore, an ABG pattern showing low pH, low HCO3-, and a decreased PaCO2 reflects metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation. If the pattern showed a high PaCO2, that would point to a primary respiratory issue (respiratory acidosis) or insufficient compensation. If the pH were high or the bicarbonate high, that would indicate metabolic alkalosis or another mixed disorder. Normal values would indicate no acid-base disturbance.

In metabolic acidosis, the bicarbonate level falls, which lowers the blood pH (acidemia). The body compensates by increasing ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide, so the PaCO2 decreases. Therefore, an ABG pattern showing low pH, low HCO3-, and a decreased PaCO2 reflects metabolic acidosis with appropriate respiratory compensation.

If the pattern showed a high PaCO2, that would point to a primary respiratory issue (respiratory acidosis) or insufficient compensation. If the pH were high or the bicarbonate high, that would indicate metabolic alkalosis or another mixed disorder. Normal values would indicate no acid-base disturbance.

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