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