Essential Pearls

Question 1

Compensation Rule 1: acute respiratory acidosis

Answer 1

“Up 1 for 10”

1 meq/L increase in [HCO3-] per 10 mm Hg increase in PCO2 above 40

• The rise in bicarb occurs bc of HCO3^--Cl^- exchange system

Question 2

Compensation Rule 2: Chronic Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 2

“Up 4 for 10”

[HCO3-] will increase 4meq/l per 10 mm Hg rise in PCO2 above 40