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Well, for now, the two paradoxical findings are just too clear.

First, the lactate level is 4.5.

That's evidence of metabolic acidosis.

But the pH is 7.45.

That's alkalosis.

And the partial pressure of carbon dioxide is 10.

Normally, when septic shock hits and lactate builds up, the body shifts acidic.

Then the lungs compensate by blowing off CO2 and trying to bring the pH back to normal.

That's why in the early stages of sepsis, the pH actually rises as compensation.

But it's impossible to drive the pCO2 down to 10...