You are evaluating a 45-year-old woman with acute respiratory failure due to a severe asthma attack. Her arterial blood gas analysis yields the following results: Parameter Measurement pH 7.30 PaO2 (mmHg) 55 PaCO2 (mmHg) 55 HCO3- (mEq/L) 30 SaO2 (%) 88 Based on these arterial blood gas results, which of the following interpretations is most accurate with regards to the patient's acid-base status?
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ARespiratory acidosis with uncompensated metabolic acidosis
BRespiratory alkalosis with compensated metabolic acidosis
CRespiratory acidosis with compensated metabolic alkalosis
DRespiratory alkalosis with uncompensated metabolic acidosis
✓ Correct answer: C. Respiratory acidosis with compensated metabolic alkalosisThe pH of 7.30 indicates acidemia, suggesting an acid-base imbalance. The elevated $$PaCO_{2}$$ of 55 mmHg is consistent with respiratory acidosis, typically seen in conditions like severe asthma where ventilation is compromised. The HCO3- is higher than normal, indicating a compensatory metabolic alkalosis mechanism to counteract the respiratory acidemia. This reflects how the body compensates over time to balance pH in the presence of chronic respiratory conditions.
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