Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 91%
Simulated
What arterial blood gas (ABG) values suggest this? pH 7.30 [pH 7.35-7.45], CO2 38 [PCO2 35-45 mm Hg], HCO3 18 mEq/L [HCO3 22-28 mEq/L]; pH 7.48 [pH 7.35-7.45], CO2 31 [PCO2 35-45 mm Hg], HCO3 24 [HCO3 22-28 mEq/L]; pH 7.42 [pH 7.35-7.45], CO2 36 [PCO2 35-45 mm Hg], HCO3 24 [HCO3 22-28 mEq/L]; pH 7.30 [pH 7.35-7.45], CO2 52 [PCO2 35-45 mm Hg], HCO3 29 [HCO3 22-28 mEq/L]
Correct answer
D
Rationale
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by low pH and high PaCO2. Option D (pH 7.30, PaCO2 52, HCO3 29) shows respiratory acidosis with partial compensation.