Lab Case 212

85 years old lady with history of COPD, brought to ED with low GCS after VF cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation after 3 minutes of CPR and a single DC shock. Her VBG on arrival showed:

PH = 7.222 (7.35 – 7.45).

PCO2 = 87.8 (35 – 45)

PO2 = 28.7 (36 – 44)

HCO3 = 34.7 (22 – 28)

PO2 = 41.9 (70 – 80)

Na = 138 (135 – 145)

K = 4.8 (3.5 – 5.2)

Cl = 99 (95 – 110)

Ca = 1.17 ( 1.12 – 1.32)

Glu = 6.9 (3.0 – 5.4)

Lac = 1.6

Cr = 74

Questions:

  1. Interpret this blood gas
  2. What can be the cause of the cardiac arrest?
  3. How will you manage this case?