PH. 7.2 PO2 mm Hg 50 mm Hg, HCO3– 13, the values goes in favour of -

In this patient PH →Decreased (N → 7.4) PCO2 → Increased (N-40 mm Hg) HCO3- →Decreased (N-24 mmol/L) First step Determine whether alkalosis or acidosis is present Decreased pH indicates acidosis Second step Inspect the HCO3- / CO2 to determine the cause of acidosis Here both the abnormalities are in sync with a decrease in pH Increase in CO2 → Produces acidosis (respiratory) The decrease in HCO3- → Produces acidosis (metabolic) There is no compensatory response It can be easily concluded, that it is a case of mixed respiratory acidosis together with metabolic acidosis The other very simple way to detect these mixed disorders is to observe the HCO3-/CO2 ratio. HCO3-/CO2 ratio moves in the opposite direction There is no need to proceed to the third step.