Lab Case 234

80 year old male known diabetic, re-presents to ED after a recent admission in which the patient was diagnosed with pulmonary TB.

According to the wife the patient has been home for 2 days. Over the last 24 hours his oral intake has declined and he has become less responsive.

VBG:

pH7.25                                     Na 140mmol/l

pCO2 30mmHg                         K 4.6mmol/l

HCO3 15 mmol/l                       Cl 106mmol/l

B/E -11.2                                  Cr 73 umol/l

Lactate 9.5mmol/l                     BSL 1.3

 

  1. Describe and interpret the VBG
  2. For our primary candidates – describe the pathophysiology of TB!