Abstract
An acidosis is any process that tends (in the absence of buffering or compensation) to cause the accumulation of hydrogen ions (H+). If the pH of the blood is lower than normal (<7.35), acidemia is present. Similarly, any process that tends to cause the accumulation of bicarbonate (HCO3) is an alkalosis. An elevated blood pH (>7.45) is referred to as alkalemia. When the acid–base disturbance arises as a result of changes in the carbon dioxide tension (PCO2) of the blood, a respiratory process is present.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Varon, J., Acosta, P. (2010). Renal and Fluid–Electrolyte Disorders. In: Handbook of Critical and Intensive Care Medicine. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92851-7_14
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92851-7_14
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY
Print ISBN: 978-0-387-92850-0
Online ISBN: 978-0-387-92851-7
eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)