Overview

• A reduced PaCO₂ of less than 36 mmHg on an arterial blood gas suggests the presence of a respiratory process - either primary (respiratory alkalosis) or secondary (respiratory compensation of metabolic acidosis).

• • Interpretation

  • Elevated pH with reduced PCO₂ - suggests respiratory alkalosis
  • Reduced pH with reduced PCO₂ and reduced HCO₃ - suggests respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis
  • Normal pH with reduced PCO₂ and reduced HCO₃ - suggests mixed respiratory alkalosis-metabolic acidosis