Using the following sets of blood values, name the acid-base imbalance (acidosis or alkalosis), this job determines its cause (metabolic or respiratory), decides whether the condition is being compensated for and cites at least one possible cause for the imbalance: pH=7.3, PCO2 = 30 mm Hg, HCO3- = 18 mEq/L.
These lab values illustrate a case of respiratory alkalosis. Each of the values gives an important clue to this information.
As the first clue, let's consider the pH value of 7.3. This is just below the normal range which falls between 7.35 and 7.45. You may think that this acidic pH value indicated acidosis, but look at the other ...
A case of respiratory alkalosis is presented.