View source for ACID-BASE ANALYSIS-STEP 4

===== [[Summary Article|'''SUMMARY''']] =====
1. Check the respiratory component.
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<br/>2. In metabolic acidosis, the expected pCO<sub>2</sub> is 15 + actual HC03<sup>-</sup> from the chemistry.
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<br/>  3. In metabolic alkalosis, the expected  pCO<sub>2</sub> increases by 0.7 mmHg for every 1 mEq/L increase in the HC03<sup>-</sup> ⇒ 0.7*rise in measured bicarb.
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<br/> 4. If higher than expected  pCO<sub>2</sub>  is present in the blood gas results, a <b>respiratory acidosis</b> is present.
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<br/> 5. If lower than expected  pCO<sub>2</sub>  is present in the blood gas results, a <b>respiratory alkalosis</b> is present.

[[Category:Acid-base Disorders]]
[[Category:Advanced Life Support]]