Given the blood values pH = 7.31, PCO2 = 63 mmHg, and HCO3 = 30 mEq/L, it would be accurate to conclude that

Select all that apply

a. the patient exhibits respiratory acidosis

b. renal compensation is occurring

c. the patient exhibits metabolic acidosis

d. respiratory compensation is counting

The correct answers are A and B.

Explanation:

The normal value range of pH is 7,35-7,45. If the pH es lower than 7,35 the patient exhibits acidosis. The cause of the acidosis is respiratory when the value of PaCO2 is higher than it's normal range (35-45 mmHg). Taken this in consideration we can rule out option C.

To compensate an acidosis the kidney rises HCO3 level (normal range 22-26 mEq/L), so we can rule out option D, because the responsible for the compensation is the kidney and not the lungs.

To establish if the acidosis is compensated, we have to calculate how much the HCO3 should rise:

For every 10mmHg that PaCO2 increases, HCO3 should rise at least 1 mEq/L (acute) and 3,5 mEq/L (chronic).

So in this case we can conclude that the kidney is compensating.