The pH of 7.66 is alkalotic and the CO2 of 15 is the cause. The HCO3 of 17 is acidotic because the kidneys are dumping HCO3 to try to compensate for the alkalosis. If the HCO3 were normal the pH would be even more alkalotic.here are also many non-renal causes of changes in HCO3 like keto-acidosis, lactic acidosis and NG suction, but kidneys are the main controllers of HCO3. More HCO3 means less acid and a higher pH. Less HCO3 means more acid and a lower pH. Normal HCO3 is 24 mEq with a normal range from 22 to 26 mEq.