Given the following ABG results, which would provide helpful diagnostic information: pH 7.12, PaCO2 30 mm Hg, PaO2 80 mm Hg, HCO3- 9 mEq/L, BE +15 mEq/L, RR 34, VT 600 mL?

• A. Creatinine
• B. Blood glucose level
• C. Venous level of HCO3-
• D. BUN

Answer: (B)

The correct choice is related to a comprehensive understanding of how the body's metabolic state can be affected under certain conditions and what diagnostic information is most relevant in this context.

Given the ABG results—specifically the low pH indicating acidemia, low HCO3- suggesting a severe metabolic acidosis, and the high base excess—this scenario indicates a metabolic disturbance likely leading to an overwhelming acid load or decrease in bicarbonate buffering. The elevated respiratory rate and the somewhat normal PaCO2 suggest a compensatory respiratory alkalosis, as the body attempts to expel carbon dioxide.

A blood glucose level reading is important because metabolic acidosis can occur in cases of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), where there’s an accumulation of acids (from ketones) due to uncontrolled diabetes and high blood glucose levels. In other words, assessing blood glucose can help confirm or rule out DKA, which would offer critical insight into the patient's condition.

In contrast, while creatinine, venous levels of HCO3-, and BUN can provide valuable information in various clinical contexts (such as renal function and hydration status), they do not directly correlate or provide immediate insight related to the acid-base balance that is the focus of the posed question. Hence,