A man with chronic bronchitis has a PaO2 of 55 mm Hg and a PaCO2 of 60 mm Hg. Which finding is most likely?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation
- Step 1: CO2 retention lowers pH and the kidneys retain bicarbonate. Answer: Chronic respiratory acidosis with renal compensation. Why not the others: Alkalosis would need low CO2 and metabolic acidosis would show low bicarbonate.
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