In: Anatomy and Physiology
Jillian is a 55 lb., 6-year-old female who fell into a fresh water lake while duck hunting with her father. Jillian was unaccounted for 15-20 minutes until her body was found floating face down in the water. She was immediately pulled out and basic life support was started. Upon arrival at the hospital, his ABG results were as follows: pH = 6.90; PO2 = 49 mmHg; PCO2 = 54 mmHg; and HCO3- = 24 mEq/L.
1. What is Jillian’s acid-base disturbance?
2. What is the specific cause of his acid-base disturbance? Explain
your answer.
Ans:- yes there is acid base disturbance.
concept :- Normal range in ABG
pH: 7.35-7.45. Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): 75 to 100 mmHg. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 35-45 mmHg. Bicarbonate (HCO3): 22-26 mEq/L.
From the given value in the question we can see that pH of the blood is is 6.9 which is less than the normal ph and amount of carbon dioxide is also more than the normal value so zillion is suffering from respiratory acidosis.
AnsB) as it is given in the question the baby was under the water for 15 to 20 minutes during which she was not able to breathe and all the oxygen which was present in her blood was used by her organs and tissues. Which resulted in production of carbon dioxide as the level of carbon dioxide increases in blood IT form carbonic acid which decreases the pH of blood which is clearly visible from the ABG report.
So hypoxia was the cause of acid base imbalance.