A 30-year-old man comes is evaluated in hospital. His father has a history of cirrhosis. His arterial bloods are shown:
pH 7.39
HCO3– 24 mEq/L
O2 content Reduced
pO2 90 mmHg
pCO2 38 mmHg
Which of the following is the most likely explanation for this patient’s findings?
A) Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
B) Anemia
C) Polycythemia vera
D) Salicylate poisoning
E) Ventilation/perfusion mismatch
