Which ABG result indicates complete compensation for respiratory acidosis?

To determine complete compensation for respiratory acidosis, one must analyze the acid-base balance in the body, focusing on pH, PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), and HCO3- (bicarbonate). In respiratory acidosis, there is an increase in PaCO2 due to hypoventilation or other respiratory issues. The body compensates for this condition by increasing bicarbonate levels, which helps to raise the pH back toward the normal range.

The normal pH range is approximately 7.35 to 7.45. In this context, complete compensation for respiratory acidosis will present a pH that returns to within the normal range, specifically around 7.40 or a bit higher. The correct answer reflects a scenario where the bicarbonate levels have adjusted sufficiently to counteract the acidosis, resulting in a pH of 7.40 with a PaCO2 of 50 and HCO3- of 30. This indicates that the body's compensatory mechanisms have effectively managed the acid-base disturbance.

In contrast, the other options present various stages of compensation:

• One choice shows a pH of 7.28, indicating that the acidosis is still present without compensation.

• Another demonstrates a