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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

229
The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
229
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

249
Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2  and...
249
Acid-Base Balance01:25

Acid-Base Balance

432
The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
432
Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

497
Metabolic reactions in the body produce nonvolatile acids, such as sulfuric acid, which generate an acid load of approximately 1 mEq of H+ per kilogram of body weight daily. Excreting H+ in the urine is essential to balance this acid load.
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
497
Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer01:22

Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer

1.5K
The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system is critical for maintaining the body's pH balance. It operates on the equilibrium:
1.5K
Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:18

Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

436
Respiratory compensation is a vital physiological process that stabilizes blood plasma pH by regulating the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), a key determinant of pH levels. Most carbon dioxide in the blood dissolves and converts into carbonic acid (H2CO3). It dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻). There is also an inverse relationship between PCO2​​ and pH.
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are...
436

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Updated: Jul 15, 2025

Establishment of an Extracellular Acidic pH Culture System
09:41

Establishment of an Extracellular Acidic pH Culture System

Published on: November 19, 2017

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Metabolic Acid-Base Disorders.

Skyler A Lentz1, Daniel Ackil2

  • 1Department of Medicine and Emergency Medicine, Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, 111 Colchester Avenue, Attn: Emergency Medicine, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.

Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America
|September 27, 2023
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Metabolic acid-base disturbances are common in critically ill patients. Management focuses on treating the underlying cause, not the acid-base status itself.

Keywords:
AcidosisAlkalosisAnion gapChloride-sensitiveKetoacidosisMUDPILESMetabolic

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Area of Science:

  • Emergency Medicine
  • Critical Care
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Metabolic acid-base disturbances are frequent in emergency departments.
  • Critically ill patients often present with these complex conditions.
  • Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the evaluation of metabolic acid-base disturbances in critically ill patients.
  • To emphasize the importance of identifying the underlying cause.
  • To guide emergency clinicians in managing these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches.
  • Utilizing history and physical examination for etiology determination.
  • Application of mnemonics for differential diagnosis.

Main Results:

  • The cause of metabolic acid-base disturbances can typically be identified through thorough patient assessment.
  • Mnemonics aid in creating a comprehensive list of potential causes.
  • Treatment success relies on addressing the root disorder.

Conclusions:

  • Emergency clinicians must prioritize identifying the underlying cause of metabolic acid-base disturbances.
  • Management strategies should target the primary condition.
  • Specific treatment of acid-base status is often unnecessary.