American journal of hospital pharmacy
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This article reviews normal acid-base regulation, related laboratory tests, and the potential disorders if the body's ability to compensate is disrupted. Acid derived from the oxidation of proteins and through tissue metabolism must be excreted or neutralized daily by the kidneys and lungs to maintain a proper acid-base balance. Acid-base homeostasis is normally maintained by chemical buffering, changes in renal hydrogen-ion excretion, and alterations in the rate and volume of alveolar ventilation. ⋯ The increased Pco2 in this conditions must be lowered slowly to avoid precipitating cardiac arrhythmias and seizures. The correction of respiratory alkalosis requires elevating the Pco2 and again treating the underlying disease. Pharmacists should be knowledgeable about acid-base regulation and the disorders that frequently occur with disease because drugs are capable of inducing or exacerbating these disorders and are often key elements in therapy.