In an arterial blood gas pattern described, which value is elevated indicating metabolic alkalosis?

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Multiple Choice

In an arterial blood gas pattern described, which value is elevated indicating metabolic alkalosis?

Explanation:
Elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) on an arterial blood gas indicates metabolic alkalosis. In this condition the primary abnormality is an excess of base or loss of hydrogen ions, which raises the serum bicarbonate and drives the pH toward the alkaline side. The pH will be high as a result, and you may see the PCO2 rise as the body attempts respiratory compensation to bring the pH back down. PaO2 isn’t the hallmark marker of alkalosis and can be normal or influenced by other factors. So the value that rises in metabolic alkalosis is bicarbonate, HCO3-.

Elevated bicarbonate (HCO3-) on an arterial blood gas indicates metabolic alkalosis. In this condition the primary abnormality is an excess of base or loss of hydrogen ions, which raises the serum bicarbonate and drives the pH toward the alkaline side. The pH will be high as a result, and you may see the PCO2 rise as the body attempts respiratory compensation to bring the pH back down. PaO2 isn’t the hallmark marker of alkalosis and can be normal or influenced by other factors. So the value that rises in metabolic alkalosis is bicarbonate, HCO3-.

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