Chapter 16, Problem 1CAQ3

Summary Introduction

To review:

The reason for the development of metabolic acidosis in the given case.

Introduction:

An old woman has been admitted to the hospital, showing left ventricular failure and severe renal failure. The laboratory report revealed the pH (potential of hydrogen) as 7.29, partial pressure of carbon dioxide as 32 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) levels as 17 milliequivalent per liter (mEq/L), and partial pressure of oxygen as 64 mm Hg. The kidneys maintain the HCO₃⁻ and H⁺ levels in the blood.