• SOM 4th Yr Curriculum

• CLERKSHIP INFORMATION
• Introduction / Goals and Objectives
• Rotations
  • HMC
  • UWMC
  • VAMC
• Seminars
• Faculty Only
• PULMONARY EDUCATION
• Pulmonary Med Library
• Arterial Blood Gases
• Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing
• Mechanical Ventilation
• Pulmonary Function Testing
• Pleural Effusion
• Radiology

Arterial Blood Gas

Case 4

A 45 year-old woman with a history of inhalant abuse presents to the emergency room complaining of dyspnea. She has an SpO2 of 99% on room air and is obviously tachypneic on exam with what appears to be Kussmaul’s respirations. A room air arterial blood gas is performed and reveals:

• pH 6.95
• PCO₂ 9
• PO₂ 128
• HCO₃- 2

A chemistry panel revealed sodium of 130, chloride 98, HCO₃- 2

Acid-base status:

Alveolar-arterial oxygen difference:

Explanation for the clinical picture:

Return to Case Index | Go to Case 4 answers

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