George Torres is admitted with a head injury. He is comatose and is breathing rapidly. His blood gases show a pH of 7.47, PaCO2 of 32 mm Hg, and HCO3- of 26 mEq/L. Compare these gases to normal values. What type of imbalance does this patient have, and is it being compensated or uncompensated?

Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sodium level of 145 mEq/L is within the normal range of 135 to 145 mEq/L. Sodium is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by fluid balance or other conditions.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect because magnesium level of 1.3 mEq/L is within the normal range of 1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L. Magnesium is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by renal function or other conditions.

Choice C reason: This is incorrect because phosphorus level of 3.0 mg/dL is within the normal range of 2.5 to 4.5 mg/dL. Phosphorus is not directly affected by respiratory alkalosis, but it may be altered by calcium balance or other conditions.

Choice D reason: This is correct because potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. Potassium is inversely related to hydrogen ions, which are decreased in respiratory alkalosis. As hydrogen ions move out of the cells to buffer the blood, potassium ions move into the cells to maintain electrical neutrality. This causes hypokalemia, or low potassium level.

Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition where the pH and the HCO3- are both elevated, indicating a loss of acids or a gain of bases in the body. This is not the case for this patient, as his HCO3- is within the normal range of 22 to 26 mEq/L.

Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition where the pH and the PaCO2 are both low, indicating a retention of carbon dioxide in the lungs due to hypoventilation. This is not the case for this patient, as his pH is high and his PaCO2 is low.

Choice C reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the pH and the PaCO2 are both high, indicating a loss of carbon dioxide in the lungs due to hyperventilation. This is the case for this patient, as his pH is above the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45 and his PaCO2 is below the normal range of 35 to 45 mm Hg. This condition is uncompensated, as his HCO3- is within the normal range and has not changed to counteract the pH imbalance.

Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the pH and the HCO3- are both low, indicating a gain of acids or a loss of bases in the body. This is not the case for this patient, as his pH is high and his HCO3- is within the normal range.