The table shows information on blood composition obtained from a patient admitted to hospital - HSC - SSCE Biology - Question 25 - 2018 - Paper 1

The patient’s pH level is 7.49, which is above the normal range of 7.35–7.45, indicating that the blood is less acidic. This can be attributed to the lower than normal level of CO2. Since CO2 is dissolved in blood plasma, lower CO2 levels result in a more alkaline (higher pH) blood solution.

In addition, the patient’s pCO2 level is at 30 mm Hg, which is below the normal range of 35–45 mm Hg, confirming the hypothesis of lower CO2 levels in the blood. Conversely, the patient’s pO2 level is 95 mm Hg, which is within the normal range of 80–100 mm Hg, indicating adequate oxygenation despite the acidic imbalance caused by the low CO2.