This blood gas report was taken from a lady hospitalised for recurrent urinary tract infections. She was transferred to the ICU because of nosocomial pneumonia.
|
Test |
Value |
Normal Range |
|
FiO2 |
0.3 |
|
|
pH |
7.53 |
7.35 – 7.45 |
|
pCO2* |
31 mmHg (4 kPa) |
35 – 45 (4.6 – 5.9) |
|
pO2 |
83.7 mmHg (11 kPa) |
80 – 110 (10.5 – 14.5) |
|
Bicarbonate |
25 mmol/L |
24 – 32 |
|
Standard Base Excess* |
3.3 mmol/L |
-2.0 – +2.0 |
a) Comment on the acid-base status.
b) List 2 likely causes of the acid-base derangement in this patient.
a) Comment on the acid-base status.
Mixed respiratory and metabolic alkalosis
b) List 2 likely causes of the acid-base derangement in this patient.
Respiratory alkalosis from the hyperventilation due to the pneumonia
Metabolic alkalosis from vomiting or diuretic use
This question is identical to Question 6.1 from the first paper of 2013.