Acid-base data interpretation has always been one of the more difficult areas of laboratory medicine. In most uncomplicated untreated cases the diagnosis can be achieved with reasonable ease. There are several ways of approaching an acid-base problem. One way is to examine first the arterial PCO2 value. Since primary respiratory disorders result from hypoventilation or […]
To summarize plasma pH problems, in metabolic acidosis there is eventual HCO–3 deficit, leading to decreased plasma pH and decreased CO2 content (or CO2 combining power). In respiratory acidosis there is primary H2CO3 excess, which causes decreased plasma pH, but the CO2 content is increased due to renal attempts at compensation. In metabolic alkalosis there […]
Alkalosis may also be divided into metabolic and respiratory types. In metabolic alkalosis, three relatively common situations should be discussed. Alkali administration. Alkali administration most commonly occurs when sodium bicarbonate is taken in large quantities for the treatment of peptic ulcer symptoms. If this happens, excess HCO–3 is absorbed above the amount needed to neutralize […]
