Clinical biochemistry: arterial blood gas analysis, electrolytes
Biochemistry · MBBS
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Study notes
ABG shows pH 7.25, PaCO2 30, HCO3 14 — a diabetic with Kussmaul breathing. This is metabolic acidosis with respiratory compensation — low pH + low bicarbonate (ketoacids consumed it) = metabolic acidosis (DKA); the low PaCO2 (30) is the lungs blowing off CO2 to compensate (Kussmaul breathing). Winter's formula predicts PaCO2 ≈ 26 — close, so compensation is appropriate, no second disorder. Reading ABGs is a 3-step ritual: pH (acidosis/alkalosis?), HCO3 vs PaCO2 (metabolic or respiratory?), compensation appropriate? — the ritual never fails.
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