Mr. B is a 70-year-old man who developed sub sternal chest pains radiating down his left arm while at home. He was taken to the ER via ambulance. His breathing was labored, pulses rapid and weak, and his skin was cold and clammy. An ECG was done which revealed significant “Q” waves in most leads. Troponin level was elevated. Arterial blood was draw with the following results:
Ph 7.22
PCO2 30 mm
Hg pO2 70 mm
Hg O2 sat 88%
HCO3 22 meq/liter
Aside from the obvious diagnosis of MI, what is Mr. B’s acid base status and what caused this disturbance?
