A bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L would indicate which state?

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Multiple Choice

A bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L would indicate which state?

Bicarbonate buffers acids in the blood, so its level reflects the metabolic side of acid-base balance. Normal HCO3- is about 22–28 mEq/L. A value of 20 mEq/L is below normal, signaling metabolic acidosis—the buffering system is overwhelmed by extra acid or loss of base, leading to a more acidic blood environment. Alkalosis would raise bicarbonate above normal, a normal value is around the mid-20s, and hypokalemia involves potassium status rather than bicarbonate. Therefore, this bicarbonate level indicates acidosis.

Bicarbonate buffers acids in the blood, so its level reflects the metabolic side of acid-base balance. Normal HCO3- is about 22–28 mEq/L. A value of 20 mEq/L is below normal, signaling metabolic acidosis—the buffering system is overwhelmed by extra acid or loss of base, leading to a more acidic blood environment. Alkalosis would raise bicarbonate above normal, a normal value is around the mid-20s, and hypokalemia involves potassium status rather than bicarbonate. Therefore, this bicarbonate level indicates acidosis.

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