Based on the blood gas analysis, which group of values in the choices below may indicate that the patient has a chronic carbon dioxide retention?
Explanation
Answer: C - Blood gas values Pco2 55 mmHg, pH 7.35 may indicate that the patient has chronic carbon dioxide retention.
The pH level is key in determining the stage as acute or chronic. If the pH is not in the normal range of 7.35 - 7.45, then the patient is in an acute stage. Option A is an acute stage.
As the pH progresses back to normal with the base excess, then the patient is partially compensating as given in option B.
If the pH falls within the normal level as in option C, i.e., Pco2 55 mmHg, pH 7.35, which indicates that the patient is in the chronic stage.
