B. Respiratory alkalosis - low P CO 2 and high pH. 1. P CO 2 increases HCO 3 - above 20 and the pH rises. Severe diabetes with production of organic acids rather than CO 2 . Tissue hypoxia and formation of lactate. The rise in P CO 2 is a respiratory adjustment to limit the alkalosis.
Negative values reflect a base deficit.
Such diagrams clearly identify any primary, uncompensated, single disturbances or acid-base chemistry. They also provide quantitative data on the amount of change in the blood-buffer system. G. Four Step Assessment of Acid Base Problems pH - value tells whether acidosis or alkalosis is present. Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis. Base excess or deficit.