Compensation Rules

Question 1

Compensation Rule 2: Chronic Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 1

Bicarbonate will increase 4 meq/l per 10mm Hg rise in pCO2 above 40.
Up 4 for 10

Question 2

Compensation Rule 3: Acute Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer 2

Bicarbonate will decrease 2meq/l per 10mm Hg decrease below 40
Down 2 for 10

Question 3

Compensation Rule 4: Chronic Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer 3

Bicarbonate will decrease 5meq/l per 10mm Hg decrease in pCO2 below 40
Down 5 for 10

Question 4

Compensation Rule 5: Metabolic Acidosis

Winter’s Formula

Answer 4

Tells us if the compensation to metabolic acidosis is appropriate
PCO2 = 1.5[HCO3] + 8 +/- 2
One and a half plus 8
If above, consider respiratory acidosis in addition
If below, consider respiratory alkalosis in addition

Question 5

Compensation Rule 6: Metabolic Alkalosis

Answer 5

PCO2 = 0.7 [HCO3] + 20 +/- 5

Zero point sever plus 20

Question 6

Compensation Rule 1: Acute Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 6

Bicarbonate will rise 1meq/l per 10mm Hg rise in pCO2 above 40.
Up 1 for 10