Refer to the diagnostic flowchart in Spotlight Figure 27–18. Use information from the blood test results in the accompanying table to categorize the suspected acid-base disorders of the patients represented in the table.
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key parameters involved in acid-base disorders, which typically include blood pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO\_2), and bicarbonate ion concentration (HCO\_3\^-). These values help determine whether the disorder is respiratory or metabolic and whether it is acidosis or alkalosis.
2. Step 2: For each patient, compare the blood pH to the normal range (approximately 7.35 to 7.45). A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis.
3. Step 3: Examine the pCO\_2 values relative to the normal range (about 35-45 mmHg). Elevated pCO\_2 suggests respiratory acidosis, while decreased pCO\_2 suggests respiratory alkalosis.
4. Step 4: Analyze the HCO\_3\^- levels compared to the normal range (around 22-26 mEq/L). Increased HCO\_3\^- indicates metabolic alkalosis, and decreased HCO\_3\^- indicates metabolic acidosis.
5. Step 5: Use the diagnostic flowchart to integrate these values: determine if the primary disorder is respiratory or metabolic based on which parameter (pCO\_2 or HCO\_3\^-) is abnormal in the direction consistent with the pH change, and then assess if compensation is present by checking if the other parameter is moving in the opposite direction to normalize pH.

Key Concepts

Acid-Base Balance and Disorders

Acid-base balance refers to the maintenance of the proper pH in the blood, typically around 7.35-7.45. Disorders occur when this balance is disrupted, leading to acidosis (low pH) or alkalosis (high pH). Understanding the causes and effects of these imbalances is essential for interpreting blood test results.

Interpretation of Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Results

ABG analysis measures pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels in the blood. These values help determine the type of acid-base disorder (respiratory or metabolic) and whether compensation is occurring. Accurate interpretation is key to categorizing disorders.

Diagnostic Flowchart for Acid-Base Disorders

A diagnostic flowchart guides the systematic evaluation of ABG results by following decision steps based on pH, pCO2, and HCO3- values. It helps clinicians identify the primary disorder and assess compensation, improving diagnostic accuracy and patient management.