Acid-base disorders are common. Because they involve numbers, they can also seem complicated. NOT! Remember, the purpose of all bodily functions is to maintain homeostasis. OXYGEN and NUTRIENTS!One of the most sensitive indicators of stability is arterial blood acidity, or pH. If the pH is off--greater than 7.45 or less than 7.35, average ("normal") 7.4--SOMETHING IS WRONG!!!!
ACIDOSIS = HYPOPERFUSION; look for the problem with OXYGEN or NUTRIENT delivery. This is the MOST important acid/base disorder no matter what the cause.
ALKALOSIS = VOLUME PROBLEMS; typically due to loss of normal body fluids such as gastrointestinal or urinary. This is usually a COMPENSATORY issue and is less critical than ACIDOSIS.
See? Easy!
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