Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Elevation Practice Test

The acid-base disorder defined by high pH and low CO2 is?

Metabolic acidosis Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis Metabolic alkalosis

Correct Answer:

Respiratory alkalosis

Explanation:

High pH means alkalemia, and a low CO2 shows that the respiratory system is driving the alkalosis by blowing off CO2. When alkalemia occurs with a reduced CO2 level, the primary disturbance is respiratory alkalosis. Metabolic alkalosis would show a high bicarbonate (HCO3−) with alkalemia, often with compensatory hypoventilation that raises CO2, not lowers it. Metabolic acidosis or respiratory acidosis both feature a low pH. If this pattern appears, identify it as respiratory alkalosis, with potential renal compensation (lower bicarbonate) if the situation is chronic.

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