A 73-year-old male is admitted with a 48-hour history of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and vomiting. | Medibuddy
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9th February 2024

A 73-year-old male is admitted with a 48-hour history of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and vomiting.

A 73-year-old male is admitted with a 48-hour history of abdominal pain, abdominal distension and vomiting. A CT scan shows a large tumour causing an obstruction. 

Blood gas on room air shows the following: 

Investigation Results Normal value
pH 7.50 7.35-7.45
pCO2 5.2 kPa 4.7-6.0 kPa
pO2 12.0 kPa >10.5 kPa
HCO3- 31 mmol/l 22-29 mmol/l

What does the blood gas show?

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