Metabolic alkalosis occurs when:
(a) Bicarbonate ion concentrations become elevated
(b) A severe bicarbonate loss occurs
(c) The kidneys fail to excrete hydrogen ions
(d) Ketone bodies are generated in abnormally large quantities

Define and give an example of:

(b) A fixed acid, and 

 Which represents the greatest threat to acid-base balance? Why?

Define and give an example of:

(c) A metabolic acid. 

Which represents the greatest threat to acid-base balance? Why?

What are the three major buffer systems in body fluids? How does each system work?

Respiratory acidosis develops when the blood pH is:

(a) Increased due to a decreased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

(b) Decreased due to an increased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

(c) Increased due to an increased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

(d) Decreased due to a decreased blood P𝒸ₒ₂ level

Distinguish between respiratory and metabolic disorders that disturb acid-base balance.

What is the difference between metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis? What can cause these conditions?

After falling into an abandoned stone quarry filled with water and nearly drowning, a young boy is rescued. In assessing his condition, rescuers find that his body fluids have high PCO₂ and lactate levels and low PO₂ levels. Identify the underlying problem and recommend the necessary treatment to restore homeostatic conditions.

Refer to the diagnostic flowchart in Spotlight Figure 27–18. Use information from the blood test results in the accompanying table to categorize the suspected acid-base disorders of the patients represented in the table.

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