Chapter 26, Problem 5CCS

Summary Introduction

Case summary:

MrHeyden, a 72-year-old, has abdominopelvic trauma. His left side of the body was pinned beneath the tractor due to an accident at his farm. His lower quadrant appears to be compressed. He was taken to the hospital and the paramedical experts measured his blood pressure and heart rate for the further treatment. Mr Heyden suffered from the pain on the left side of his body.

Characters in the case:

Mr Heyden and the paramedical expert.

Adequate information:

His blood was reported at 90/50 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury) and his heart rate was 116 beats per minute. His blood pressure was continuously falling and the blood volumes of his body were also decreasing. He also loses consciousness. His blood pH (potential of hydrogen) was 7.33, the carbon dioxide pressure was 34 mm Hg (millimetres of mercury), and the concentration of bicarbonate ions in his body was found 20 mEq/L (milliequivalents of solute per litre).

To determine: The explanation for the pH, carbon dioxide pressure, and the concentration of the bicarbonate ions, which were found to be 7.33, 34 mm Hg, and 20mEq/L, respectively.