Disturbances in acid-base metabolism. Recognition in the office setting.
Determination of the appropriateness of the compensatory response is essential in evaluation of any acid-base disturbance. Adequate compensation supports the presence of a single acid-base event. Inadequate compensation may indicate that a second primary acid-base event is present or, in some circumstances, that time has been inadequate for maximal physiologic compensation. When acid-base disturbances are mixed, treatment of one disorder may unmask the full pH-altering potential of the second disorder. Close monitoring of patients at risk for the development of acid-base disorders permits detection of problems at a time when intervention may prevent serious complications. Relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use chemical analytic systems to assist early diagnosis are now present in many office-based laboratories.
Hobbs
J
J
Department of Family Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-5470.
D000137:Acid-Base Imbalance / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy; D000138:Acidosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000471:Alkalosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D000472:Alkalosis, Respiratory / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D001639:Bicarbonates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016883:Diabetic Ketoacidosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012307:Risk Factors; D012964:Sodium / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D012965:Sodium Chloride / Q000008:administration & dosage
D001639:Bicarbonates; D012965:Sodium Chloride; D011189:Potassium Chloride; D017693:Sodium Bicarbonate; D012964:Sodium