Which arterial blood gas (ABG) result indicates complete compensation?

To determine complete compensation in arterial blood gas (ABG) results, it is essential to look for a situation where the pH has returned to a normal range despite the presence of an underlying metabolic or respiratory disturbance. Normal pH values range from 7.35 to 7.45.

In the case of the correct answer, the pH is 7.35. This pH indicates that there is an acidemia, which may be due to either respiratory or metabolic means. The values for CO2 and HCO3 also help to ascertain the type of disturbance present.

When observing the bicarbonate level (HCO3) at 29, it suggests a metabolic alkalosis compensation in response to the acidosis indicated by the low pH and the elevated CO2 of 50. The HCO3 is elevated, which is an attempt to compensate for the respiratory acidosis (high CO2). Therefore, despite the pH being low, the compensated HCO3 reflects the body's effort to maintain homeostasis, but the pH has not fully returned to normal, indicating partial compensation.

Complete compensation occurs when the pH restores to a normal range, meaning that both the CO2 and HCO3 levels are adequately adjusted to