Let’s break down typical lab values for mixed primary acid-base disorders:

  1. Mixed Metabolic Acidosis + Respiratory Alkalosis:
    pH: Decreased (acidic) or near normal
    PaCO2: Decreased (<35 mmHg)
    HCO3- (Bicarb): Decreased (<22 mmol/L)
    Example: Diabetic ketoacidosis with hyperventilation.
  2. Mixed Metabolic Acidosis + Metabolic Alkalosis:
    pH: Near normal or slightly increased (alkaline)
    PaCO2: Normal or slightly decreased
    HCO3- (Bicarb): Variable (depending on dominant disorder)
    Example: Vomiting (metabolic alkalosis) with diabetic ketoacidosis.
  3. Mixed Respiratory Acidosis + Metabolic Alkalosis:
    pH: Near normal or slightly increased (alkaline)
    PaCO2: Increased (>45 mmHg)
    HCO3- (Bicarb): Increased (>28 mmol/L)
    Example: COPD with gastric suctioning.
  4. Mixed Respiratory Acidosis + Respiratory Alkalosis (rare):
    pH: Variable
    PaCO2: Variable
    HCO3- (Bicarb): Normal or slightly decreased
    Example: Acute respiratory failure with mixed ventilatory drive disorders.

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