A 72-year-old male with diabetes mellitus is evaluated in the emergency room because of lethargy, disorientation, and long, deep breaths (Kussmaul respirations). Initial chemistries on venous blood demonstrate high glucose at 380 mg/dL (normal up to 120) and a pH of 7.3. Recalling the normal bicarbonate (22 to 28 mM) and PCO2 (33 to 45 mmHg) values, which of the additional test results below would be consistent with the man’s pH and breathing pattern?
A 72-year-old male with diabetes mellitus is evaluated in the emergency room because of lethargy, disorientation, and long, deep breaths (Kussmaul respirations). Initial chemistries on venous blood demonstrate high glucose at 380 mg/dL (normal up to 120) and a pH of 7.3. Recalling the normal bicarbonate (22 to 28 mM) and PCO2 (33 to 45 mmHg) values, which of the additional test results below would be consistent with the man’s pH and breathing pattern?
💡 Explanation
A 72-year-old male with diabetes mellitus is evaluated in the emergency room because of lethargy, disorientation, and long, deep breaths (Kussmaul respirations). Initial chemistries on venous blood demonstrate high glucose at 380 mg/dL (normal up to 120) and a pH of 7.3. Recalling the normal bicarbonate (22 to 28 mM) and PCO2 (33 to 45 mmHg) values, which of the additional test results below would be consistent with the man's pH and breathing pattern?
✓ Correct Answer: B. A bicarbonate of 15 mM and PCO2 of 30 mmHg
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