Based on the laboratory report with a pH of 7.5, PaCO2 of 32 mm HG, and HCO3- of 24 mEq/L, what acid-base imbalance is present?

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The provided laboratory report indicates a pH of 7.5, which is above the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45. This elevated pH suggests alkalosis. The PaCO2 level is 32 mmHg, which is lower than the normal range (35-45 mmHg), indicating a respiratory component, as it suggests that the patient is hyperventilating and expelling more CO2 than normal. The HCO3- level is 24 mEq/L, which falls within the normal range (22-26 mEq/L), meaning there is no metabolic component affecting the acid-base status in this case.

The combination of an elevated pH and a decreased PaCO2 points towards respiratory alkalosis. In respiratory alkalosis, the body compensates for excess alkaline state by eliminating CO2 through hyperventilation. Since the bicarbonate level is normal, it confirms that there isn't a metabolic acid-base disturbance at play here.

In summary, the presence of a high pH, low PaCO2, and normal HCO3- indicates that respiratory alkalosis is the correct acid-base imbalance identified from these laboratory results.

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