A patient is confused and disoriented with a blood pH of 7.31. Which term BEST describes the state of the blood?

A patient is confused and disoriented with a blood pH of 7.31. Which term BEST describes the state of the blood?

• A. Acidotic
• B. Alkalotic
• C. Hypocarbic
• D. Within normal range

Answer: (A)

Blood pH reflects how acidic or basic the blood is. Normal arterial pH is about 7.35 to 7.45. A pH of 7.31 is below normal, indicating increased acidity in the blood, or acidemia. The best description for this state is acidotic, since that word directly captures the now more acidic blood. A higher pH would describe alkalosis, and a low CO2 level would be a specific contributing factor (hypocarbic) rather than the overall blood state. Normal range is not correct because 7.31 falls outside it.

Blood pH reflects how acidic or basic the blood is. Normal arterial pH is about 7.35 to 7.45. A pH of 7.31 is below normal, indicating increased acidity in the blood, or acidemia. The best description for this state is acidotic, since that word directly captures the now more acidic blood. A higher pH would describe alkalosis, and a low CO2 level would be a specific contributing factor (hypocarbic) rather than the overall blood state. Normal range is not correct because 7.31 falls outside it.