pH = 7.30, pCO2 = 38, HCO3 = 18 signifies:: (A) Metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis, (B) Respiratory acidosis with compensatory metabolic alkalosis, (C) Respiratory alkalosis with compensatory metabolic acidosis, (D) Metabolic acidosis with respiratory acidosis
Answer is D. * Since pH is less, and HCO3 is less it implies metabolic acidosis. * Now for compensation pCO2= HCO3+15 = 18 + 15 = 33. * The value predicted is not matching with given pCO2 of 38 mm Hg. * It implies compensation is not there and it is a Mixed disorder * Conclusion metabolic acidosis with respiratory acidosis