Question

A hyperventilating patient has ABG value of pH=7.53, pCO2= 20mmHg, HCO3=26meq

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

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

To determine the acid-base disturbance, let's analyze the provided arterial blood gas (ABG) values:

• pH = 7.53: This is higher than the normal range of 7.35–7.45, indicating alkalosis.
• pCO2 = 20 mmHg: This is lower than the normal range of 35–45 mmHg, suggesting a respiratory cause.
• HCO3 = 26 meq/L: This is within the normal range of 22–26 meq/L.

The elevated pH confirms an alkalosis state. The low pCO2 suggests that the alkalosis has a respiratory origin, as the reduced carbon dioxide levels lead to increased blood pH, characteristic of respiratory alkalosis. The normal bicarbonate level indicates that there is no metabolic compensation occurring.

Therefore, the correct interpretation of the ABG and the corresponding condition is Respiratory alkalosis.