What is the most likely condition?

A 24-year-old woman known to be suffering from panic disorder presents to the hospital with tingling and nu fingers. ABG: pH=7.52, PCO2=2.2kPa, PO2=11kPa, Bicarbonate-20.

What is the most likely condition?
A . Acute respiratory alkalosis
B . Compensated metabolic acidosis
C . Compensated respiratory alkalosis
D . Acute metabolic alkalosis

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

In panic attack there occurs hyperventilation which causes washout of acute respiratory alkalosis resulting in raised pH >7.45 (here 7.52), low PCO2 (here 2.2 kPa) with compensatory HCO3 (here 20meq/l).