Which intervention is used to treat acidosis as an underlying condition?

Which intervention is used to treat acidosis as an underlying condition?

• A. Bicarbonate
• B. Fluids
• C. Oxygen
• D. Mannitol

Answer: (A)

Bicarbonate therapy illustrates how buffering an excess of hydrogen ions can directly raise the blood pH. When acidosis is metabolic in nature, there is a deficit of base or an excess of acid; giving bicarbonate provides a buffer that combines with hydrogen ions to form carbonic acid, which is converted to CO2 and water. This helps neutralize the acidemia and supports the body's pH toward normal while you treat the underlying cause, such as renal failure, ketoacidosis, or lactic acidosis.

Fluids are crucial for improving perfusion and can help the underlying problem but do not directly neutralize excess hydrogen ions. Oxygen improves oxygenation but does not fix the acid-base imbalance itself unless hypoxemia is driving a component of respiratory acidosis. Mannitol has different indications (such as reducing intracranial pressure or managing certain edema) and does not address the acid-base disturbance.