This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Fluids and Electrolyte Imbalance, Subject name: Medicine
pH = 7.27, HCO3= 10 mEq/dl and pC02 = 23 mm Hg: 
Select and explain. 
A. Metabolic acidosis, B. Metabolic alkalosis, C. Respiratory acidosis, D. Respiratory alkalosis
A: Metabolic acidosis
Answer: A: Metabolic acidosis 
Explanation: Applying Winter's formula Estimated pCO2 = {HCO3 x 1.5} + 8 +2 = {10 x 1.5} + 8+2 = 21-25 Since the actual pCO2 falls within the estimated range, we can deduce that the compensation is adequate and there is no separate respiratory disorder present