Given PCO2 = 44 mm Hg and Total CO2 = 29 mmol/L, the blood pH is most likely:

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Enhance your knowledge with the Ciulla Clinical Chemistry Test. Study with interactive quizzes, featuring flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations for better understanding. Prepare effectively and excel in your exam!

Multiple Choice

Given PCO2 = 44 mm Hg and Total CO2 = 29 mmol/L, the blood pH is most likely:

Explanation:
The pH of blood is set by the bicarbonate buffering system, described by Henderson–Hasselbalch: pH = pKa + log([HCO3−]/(0.03 × PCO2)). Here, the dissolved CO2 in plasma is 0.03 × 44 ≈ 1.32 mmol/L. Total CO2 is 29 mmol/L, so the bicarbonate concentration is about 29 − 1.32 ≈ 27.68 mmol/L. The ratio becomes 27.68 / 1.32 ≈ 20.97. Using pKa ≈ 6.1, pH ≈ 6.1 + log10(20.97) ≈ 6.1 + 1.32 ≈ 7.42. Therefore, the blood pH is about 7.42, which aligns with the given correct choice. This shows how a relatively high bicarbonate with a near-normal PCO2 yields a slightly alkaline, but physiologic, pH.

The pH of blood is set by the bicarbonate buffering system, described by Henderson–Hasselbalch: pH = pKa + log([HCO3−]/(0.03 × PCO2)). Here, the dissolved CO2 in plasma is 0.03 × 44 ≈ 1.32 mmol/L. Total CO2 is 29 mmol/L, so the bicarbonate concentration is about 29 − 1.32 ≈ 27.68 mmol/L. The ratio becomes 27.68 / 1.32 ≈ 20.97. Using pKa ≈ 6.1, pH ≈ 6.1 + log10(20.97) ≈ 6.1 + 1.32 ≈ 7.42. Therefore, the blood pH is about 7.42, which aligns with the given correct choice. This shows how a relatively high bicarbonate with a near-normal PCO2 yields a slightly alkaline, but physiologic, pH.

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