Lab case 348 interpretation

Answer to blood gas

Question 1:

PH = 7.32, that is mild acidaemia.

With PCO2 of almost 90, we have respiratory acidosis.

Next we look at the compensation.

For acute respiratory acidosis, HCO3 should increase by 1 for every 10 PCO2 above 40. Accordingly, for acute respiratory acidosis expected HCO3 should be 29.

For chronic respiratory acidosis, HCO3 should increase by 4 for every 10 PCO2 above 40. Accordingly, for chronic respiratory acidosis expected HCO3 should be 44. That is close to the number that we have for this patient.

” The story of the patient also fits with chronic respiratory acidosis”.

The only other abnormal finding on these blood results is slightly elevated creatinine.

So, the final conclusion is well compensated chronic respiratory acidosis.

Question 2:

This patient has bed lungs, Unfortunately, nothing else can be done about them

The patient was prescribed antibiotics and was discharged home.