PaCO2 35 - 45 

 PaCO2 > 45

  pH < 7.4

 pH > 7.4

Normal pH  

  Abnormal pH 

  pH < 7.4 

pH >7.4

  Metabolic Acidosis

 Respiratory Alkalosis 

Normal ABG (acid-base is balanced)   

 Uncompensated Metabolic Acidosis or Alkalosis (see pH) 

Respiratory Acidosis 

Metabolic Alkalosis with Respiratory Compensation. 

  Rationale: Low respiratory acid is compensating for lower pH

  Rationale: Low respiratory acid is causing higher pH 

 Rationale: There are no pH changes, so if the respiratory acid is normal, the metabolic base cannot be causing changes either. 

Rationale: Respiratory acid is not causing pH changes, so the metabolic system must be 

Rationale: Respiratory acid is producing the lower pH. 

 Rationale: Respiratory acid is compensating for the higher pH.