Metabolic Alkalosis and Respiratory Alkalosis
Occurs in:
- Diuretic therapy (low potassium) and pneumonia
- Vomiting (H+ loss) and congestive cardiac failure (hyperventilation)
ABG hallmark: the pCO2 will be reduced and the HCO3– raised. [11,12]
For example, in a patient who has been vomiting profusely and is, as a result, highly anxious with raised respiratory rate:
- pH 7.53
- pCO2 2.7 kPa
- pO2 10.9 kPa
- bicarbonate 34 mmol/L
The clinical picture needs to be considered this patient is alkalotic with a low CO2, indicating a respiratory component, but the bicarbonate is high, rather than normal or low. [11,12]