Which acid-base imbalance is indicated by a blood gas result showing a pH of 7.32 and PCO2 of 50 mm Hg?

Which acid-base imbalance is indicated by a blood gas result showing a pH of 7.32 and PCO2 of 50 mm Hg?

• A. Metabolic acidosis
• B. Respiratory alkalosis
• C. Respiratory acidosis
• D. Metabolic alkalosis

Answer: (C)

The blood gas results indicate a pH of 7.32, which is lower than the normal range (typically 7.35 to 7.45), suggesting acidosis. The PCO2 level of 50 mm Hg is elevated, as normal levels are generally between 35 to 45 mm Hg. This elevation in PCO2 indicates that there is a respiratory component to the acid-base imbalance. In cases of respiratory acidosis, the body retains carbon dioxide (CO2) which reacts with water to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in pH. The high PCO2 reflects inadequate ventilation, where the lungs are not expelling enough carbon dioxide. The decreased pH confirms that acidosis is present, aligning with the values presented in this case. This scenario is characteristic of respiratory acidosis, where the lungs are unable to eliminate CO2 effectively, leading to acid accumulation in the blood, hence the lower pH reading.

The blood gas results indicate a pH of 7.32, which is lower than the normal range (typically 7.35 to 7.45), suggesting acidosis. The PCO2 level of 50 mm Hg is elevated, as normal levels are generally between 35 to 45 mm Hg. This elevation in PCO2 indicates that there is a respiratory component to the acid-base imbalance.

In cases of respiratory acidosis, the body retains carbon dioxide (CO2) which reacts with water to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in pH. The high PCO2 reflects inadequate ventilation, where the lungs are not expelling enough carbon dioxide. The decreased pH confirms that acidosis is present, aligning with the values presented in this case.

This scenario is characteristic of respiratory acidosis, where the lungs are unable to eliminate CO2 effectively, leading to acid accumulation in the blood, hence the lower pH reading.