Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

If a patient's pH is below 7.35, what condition do they likely have?

1. Alkalosis

2. Acidosis

3. Respiratory failure

4. Hyperventilation

The correct answer is: Acidosis

A pH level below 7.35 indicates acidosis, which is a condition characterized by an excess of hydrogen ions in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This can occur due to various factors, such as increased production of acids, inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide, or a loss of bicarbonate, which plays a critical role in maintaining acid-base balance. In clinical practice, recognizing acidosis is essential as it can lead to severe physiological disturbances and require immediate medical intervention to correct the underlying cause. While other conditions like respiratory failure and hyperventilation can also affect pH levels, their direct association with a pH below 7.35 is not as straightforward. Respiratory failure, for instance, typically results in respiratory acidosis when the body is unable to expel carbon dioxide effectively, but it can also lead to metabolic issues that may complicate the clinical picture. In contrast, hyperventilation usually leads to alkalosis due to decreased carbon dioxide levels. Thus, acidosis is the most accurate diagnosis when a patient's pH falls below the critical threshold of 7.35.