An arterial blood gas shows pH 7.36, PaCO2 44 mmHg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. How would you interpret the acid-base status?

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Multiple Choice

An arterial blood gas shows pH 7.36, PaCO2 44 mmHg, HCO3- 24 mEq/L. How would you interpret the acid-base status?

Explanation:
The main idea is to compare each value to its normal range and see if there’s any disturbance. Here, the pH of 7.36 sits squarely in the normal range (7.35–7.45). The PaCO2 of 44 mmHg is normal (35–45 mmHg), and the bicarbonate of 24 mEq/L is also normal (22–26 mEq/L). When all three parameters are within their normal limits, there is no acid-base disorder present. So this ABG interpretation is normal.

The main idea is to compare each value to its normal range and see if there’s any disturbance. Here, the pH of 7.36 sits squarely in the normal range (7.35–7.45). The PaCO2 of 44 mmHg is normal (35–45 mmHg), and the bicarbonate of 24 mEq/L is also normal (22–26 mEq/L). When all three parameters are within their normal limits, there is no acid-base disorder present. So this ABG interpretation is normal.

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