Lab Case 87 – Interpretation

70 year old female with shortness of breath and confusion

  1. Triple acid base disorder

High anion gap metabolic acidosis (19)

delta ratio 0.42 = mixed high and normal anion gap

compensation: expected CO2  18.5, actual = 30 – partially compensated or additional respiratory acidosis

additional:

elevated potassium

elevated chloride

2. HAGMA – renal failure –  high potassium, other causes-fluid overload, intracranial lesion

DKA, toxins, sepsis less likely – normal lactae, glucose, ketones not given

NAGMA – Normal Saline administration – elevated chloride

Elevated CO2 – altered mental state

3.  [table id=3 /]