NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)Foundational Knowledge and Basic ScienceHard
A medical assistant is reviewing a patient's laboratory results. The report indicates a 'pH of 7.28'. This value is outside the normal physiological range for blood pH. What term describes this condition?
- AHomeostasis
- BNeutrality
- CAlkalosis
- DAcidosis
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Acidosis
Normal blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45. A pH of 7.28 is below this range, indicating an excess of acid or a deficit of bicarbonate, which is medically termed acidosis.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment, which includes a stable pH, but it's not a condition of abnormal pH.
- B. Neutrality (pH 7.0) is not the normal physiological range for blood; blood is slightly alkaline.
- C. Alkalosis refers to a blood pH above the normal range (greater than 7.45).
Blood pH and Acid-Base Balance
Blood pH is a measure of its acidity or alkalinity, crucial for physiological processes. The body maintains a narrow normal range (7.35-7.45) through various buffer systems.
- Normal blood pH: 7.35-7.45.
- pH < 7.35 = Acidosis (excess acid).
- pH > 7.45 = Alkalosis (excess base).
- Maintained by respiratory and renal systems.
Memory trick: Acidosis is 'A' low pH, Alkalosis is 'A' high pH.