A person presents with the following parameters. pCO2 : 30 mm Hg, PO2 :105 mm Hg, pH : 7.45. He is having partially compensated –
**Core Concept**
The given arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters indicate a mild alkalosis, likely due to a respiratory cause, given the decreased pCO2 level.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In this scenario, the patient has a decreased pCO2 (30 mm Hg), which suggests that the person is hyperventilating, leading to a respiratory alkalosis. The pH is elevated (7.45), indicating alkalosis. However, the compensation for the respiratory alkalosis is only partial, as the bicarbonate level is not significantly decreased. The PO2 is within normal limits, ruling out hypoxia as a contributing factor.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This is not a correct description of the given ABG parameters. The patient does not have acidosis.
**Option B:** The bicarbonate level is not provided, making it difficult to determine if there is a metabolic component to the alkalosis.
**Option C:** There is no indication of severe respiratory alkalosis in the given parameters.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In cases of respiratory alkalosis, the body tries to compensate by increasing bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidneys. However, this compensation is not always complete, and the patient may remain alkalotic.
**Correct Answer:** D.