Post-operative patient.

What is the acid-base disorder?

Respiratory Acidosis - Acute

• pH : acidosis
• PCO₂ : respiratory acidosis
• HCO₃^- : acute
• if chronic, HCO₃^- should be ≈ 30 mmol/L
• PO₂ + 1.25*PCO₂ ≈ 144 : on RA or O₂ with increased AaDO₂

Alternatively - mixed chronic respiratory and metabolic acidosis, but less likely.

ABG Correction Factors

1. Metabolic Acidosis:
• PCO₂ : last 2 digits of pH ≥ 7.10
• HCO₃^- : for each 10 mmol/L fall → ↓ PCO₂ ≈ 12 mmHg
2. Metabolic Alkalosis:
• PCO₂ : last 2 digits of pH ≤ 7.60
• HCO₃^- : for each 10 mmol/L rise → ↑ PCO₂ ≈ 7 mmHg
• *least well compensated due to hypoxaemia 2° hypoventilation
3. Respiratory Acidosis:
• Acute : for each 10 mmHg PCO₂ rise → ↑ HCO₃^- ≈ 1-2 mmol/L
• Chronic : for each 10 mmHg PCO₂ rise → ↑ HCO₃^- ≈ 4 mmol/L
4. Respiratory Alkalosis:
• PCO₂ : for each 10 mmHg fall → ↓ HCO₃^- ≈ 2.5 mmol/L