Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Elevation Practice Test

Metabolic acidosis is defined by which characteristic?

High pH Low pH and usually secondary to disease like diabetes Normal pH with increased bicarbonate Low pH with respiratory compensation only

Correct Answer:

Low pH and usually secondary to disease like diabetes

Explanation:

Metabolic acidosis shows a reduced blood pH due to an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate, signaling a metabolic problem rather than a primary respiratory issue. A classic example is diabetic ketoacidosis, where accumulation of ketoacids from diabetes lowers pH and consumes bicarbonate. That combination—low pH tied to a metabolic disease process like diabetes—best fits the definition of metabolic acidosis. High pH points to alkalosis, normal pH with increased bicarbonate also indicates alkalosis, and low pH with respiratory compensation only would imply a respiratory pattern rather than the metabolic origin central to metabolic acidosis.

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