Blood-gas analysis and the assessment of acid-base status.

In this article the more common kinds of acid-base disorders have been discussed. To accurately assess the kind of acid-base disturbance found in a patient, the clinician must know the arterial pH, PaCO2, and the [HCO-3] in arterial blood. Acid-base disturbances are associated with fluid and electrolyte disturbances. Potassium balance is often upset in acid-base disturbances. Accurate determination of K+ balance requires serial or repeated determinations of plasma K+ concentration as well as careful clinical monitoring.