What are the metabolic indicators of metabolic acidemia?

Metabolic acidemia is characterized by a primary decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels, which leads to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration in the blood, causing a decrease in pH. Therefore, in the context of metabolic acidemia, you would typically expect to see decreased blood pH, indicating acidemia.

In this situation, the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) is generally normal because the respiratory system compensates for the metabolic acidosis primarily by increasing ventilation to blow off carbon dioxide. Hence, while the pH decreases and HCO3 levels drop, the PCO2 remains within the normal range during acute metabolic acidosis.

This response highlights the body's compensatory mechanisms in managing acid-base imbalances, helping to distinguish between various types of acidemia and their impact on blood gas measurements.