Exp Comp for Resp Alkalosis, Acute
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PaCO2 (mmHg)
R e s u l t s
HCO3 (mg/dL)
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Exp Comp for Resp Alkalosis, Acute

Expected bicarbonate = 24 - ((Baseline PCO2 - Patient's PCO2)/5)

NOTE: Baseline PCO2 default should be 40.

Interpretation: If patient's bicarb is higher than expected, a superimposed metabolic alkalosis is present. If it is lower, a superimposed metabolic acidosis is present.

Acute respiratory alkalosis should result in HCO3 drop by 2 mmol/L for every 10 mmHg decrease from pCO2

Since the limit of compensation varies between 12 and 20, value less than 20 should be cautiously judged.

Reference:

Doyle DJ. A Synopsis of Acid-Base Analysis. http://acidbase.homestead.com/ABG_Analysis_Rev_2.0.pdf. Update Jan 2006. Last assessed June 2013