Group problems for Acid-Base chemistry
A. An unconscious, 67 year old, 70 kg male is brought into the ER. Dr. Dewgi orders blood gases and blood pH to be determined. The results of the tests indicate that the patient has metabolic acidosis.Normal values
pH = 7.4 CO2 = 1.2 mM HCO3- = 24 mM
Patient
CO2 = 1.1mM pH = 6.8
Dr. Dewgi didn't take his Chemistry II seriously, so now you need to help him save his patient!
1. Determine the amount of bicarbonate in the patient's blood.
2. How much bicarbonate (it is packaged in 50 mL ampules that contain 1 mEq/mL) should be given to this pt (pt = patient) to restore his bicarbonate levels? (The total blood volume of a 70 kg male is 5.6L.)
3. Why is bicarbonate so important?
B. It's a busy night in the ER, Dr. Dewgi didn't get any time to flirt with Dr. Nosital. The next pt was a 21 year old, 65kg male in a coma who was breathing very slowly with episodes of apnea. The pts buddys ditched him at the door and ran off, but their erratic behavior was noted by the door guard. All signs pointed to a narcotic overdose. Dr. Dewgi ordered CO2 levels and blood pH. The results indicate that the pt has respiratory acidosis.
Pt values: pH = 7.22 CO2 = 2.0 mM
Dr Dewgi was about give the order to inject the pt with bicarbonate when Dr. Nosital popped in to save the day.
1. What is the pt's HCO3- level?
2. What would be a better treatment for this patient?