A long scenario about an elderly who had colectomy and post operation had dehydration and increased skin turgor with postural hypotension. ABG results: PH 7.8 (high), HCO3 48 (high... A long scenario about an elderly who had colectomy and post operation had dehydration and increased skin turgor with postural hypotension. ABG results: PH 7.8 (high), HCO3 48 (high), PCO2 44 (high). What is your interpretation?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a medical scenario involving an elderly patient who underwent a colectomy and exhibits signs of dehydration and postural hypotension, along with abnormal arterial blood gas (ABG) results. The prompt seems to be asking for an interpretation of the ABG results and what they imply regarding the patient's condition.
Answer
Metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation.
The final answer is metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation, likely due to dehydration and volume contraction after surgery.
Answer for screen readers
The final answer is metabolic alkalosis with respiratory compensation, likely due to dehydration and volume contraction after surgery.
More Information
The patient's metabolic alkalosis is likely due to dehydration and contraction alkalosis following surgery, given the high pH and bicarbonate level. The elevated PCO2 suggests some respiratory compensation is occurring.
Tips
Common mistakes include confusing metabolic alkalosis with acidosis and not considering the role of dehydration in the scenario.
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