Acidosis
A blood pH below 7.35 from acid excess or base loss.
Acidosis is a blood pH below 7.35 caused by an excess of acid or a loss of base. Identifying the cause guides treatment: respiratory acidosis stems from retained CO2 (hypoventilation), while metabolic acidosis stems from acid accumulation or bicarbonate loss, as in diabetic ketoacidosis or renal failure. Interpret the ABG by checking pH, then CO2 and bicarbonate, and look for compensation such as deep, rapid Kussmaul respirations blowing off CO2.