Case 20. Cardiac Arrest

Question 1

Describe the gas exchange and acid base status.

PO2.           32 on 15 litres
PCO2.        4.8
H+.             160      PH 6.8. !!
HCO3.         3.8
Lactate.       9

Answer 1

Normal gas exchange achieved with CPR.
Severe uncompensated metabolic acidosis.

The ABG confirms satisfactory pulmonary gas unchange and K+ level, but identifies a profound acidosis not compatible with life given the ECG fails to respond to defibrillation.