A 28-year-old man is brought to the ED by police after he was found collapsed in the street. | Medibuddy
9th February 2024

A 28-year-old man is brought to the ED by police after he was found collapsed in the street.

A 28-year-old man is brought to the ED by police after he was found collapsed in the street. His respiratory rate is 5, his GCS is 6, and he has pinprick pupils. He is given Naloxone to good effect. 

Arterial blood gas results on admission on room air are as follows:

Investigation Results Normal value
pH 7.30 7.35-7.45
pCO2 7.5 kPa 4.7-6.0 kPa
pO2 8.0 kPa >10.5 kPa
HCO3- 22 mmol/l 22-29 mmol/l

What is the cause of the acidosis?

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