A patient's ABG shows: pH 7.32. PaCO2 50 mmHg. HCO3 24 mEq/L. What is the correct diagnosis?
Metabolic acidosis
Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis
The Correct Answer is B
A. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3, which is not present in this case since HCO3 is normal.
B. The pH of 7.32 indicates acidemia, and a PaCO2 of 50 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the body is retaining carbon dioxide, contributing to the low pH. The HCO3 is normal, indicating that there is no metabolic compensation occurring.
C. Respiratory alkalosis would show a high pH and low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
D. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and elevated HCO3, which is also not present in these ABG results.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. DIC is characterized by a low platelet count due to the consumption of platelets in the coagulation process, not an elevated count.
B. While heparin may be used in the management of DIC in some cases, it is not a lifelong treatment nor a cure for the condition, as DIC results from an underlying condition rather than being a standalone disease.
C. DIC involves the overactivation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the formation of fibrin clots and subsequent consumption of clotting factors and platelets, thus making this statement accurate.
D. DIC is not a genetic disorder but rather a complication often associated with severe infections, trauma, or other conditions, and it is not primarily due to vitamin K deficiency.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metabolic acidosis would be indicated by a low pH and a low HCO3, which is not present in this case since HCO3 is normal.
B. The pH of 7.32 indicates acidemia, and a PaCO2 of 50 mmHg suggests respiratory acidosis as the body is retaining carbon dioxide, contributing to the low pH. The HCO3 is normal, indicating that there is no metabolic compensation occurring.
C. Respiratory alkalosis would show a high pH and low PaCO2, which is not the case here.
D. Metabolic alkalosis would present with a high pH and elevated HCO3, which is also not present in these ABG results.