Quote:
Originally Posted by rustyblueyez
I think you're right superdoc1, there is a better explanation.
The most common cause of metabolic alkalosis is dehydration, suppose this patient is severely dehydrated: high pH, bicarb derangement, this might lead to loss of conciousness and subsequent ventilatory failure explaining the rising PaCO2.
You would expect to see this lower the pH but it may be a new onset i which case time would tell.
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Indeed. pH in this instance will mostly be affected by the presence of whatever bronsted acids or bases are present (i.e bicarbonate). The high pH here could be as a result of the ''bicarb derangement'', rather than occuring with it. Also I found this webpage which might be useful:
Respiratpry Physiology: Acid-Base Phsyiology