A male patient with a history of heavy alcohol use has been admitted to hospital for malnutrition and suspected pancreatitis

Question

The patient's diagnostic workup suggests alcoholic ketoacidosis as a component of his current health problems. He is somewhat familiar with the effect that drinking has had on his nutrition and pancreas but is wholly unfamiliar with the significance of acid-base balance. How best could his care provider explain the concept to him?
A)
"The chemical processes that take place throughout your body are thrown off very easily when your body is too acidic or not acidic enough.
B)
"The multitude of chemical reactions that take place in your body depend on your body fluids being slightly acidic."
C)
"The healthy function of your kidneys and your lungs requires a specific level of pH in your body."
D)
"Your body is highly dependent on what food and fluid you consume to keep itself at a functioning level of slight nonacidity."

Answer 1

Ans:
A

Feedback:

Metabolic activity is highly contingent on a narrow range of pH. Normal pH is slightly basic, not acidic, and appropriate pH is maintained by the lungs and kidneys, not vice versa. The action of the respiratory and renal systems, not particular food or fluid intake, has the most salient effect on the acid-base balance.