Correct!
5. All of the above

It is not clear why this woman presented with shortness of breath. Her physical examination reveals tachypnea and tachycardia but is otherwise fairly unremarkable. There are no obvious signs or symptoms pointing to a pulmonary or cardiac origin. Therefore, laboratory and radiology evaluations are indicated to narrow a huge differential diagnosis.

Her chest-ray was unremarkable as was her CBC. Results of the ABGs and metabolic panel are below.

Table 1. Initial ABGs and metabolic panel.

• pH 7.08
• pCO2 18mmol/L
• Sodium (Na+)136 Meq/L
• Potassium (K+) 5.2 Meq/L
• Chloride (Cl-) 103 Meq/L

What acid-base disturbance is present? (Click on the correct answer to be directed to the third of five pages)

1. Combined respiratory/metabolic acidosis
2. Metabolic acidosis
3. Metabolic alkalosis
4. Respiratory acidosis
5. Respiratory alkalosis

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