Question 45:

A human condition of acid-base disturbance with high H+ ions in the blood is called:

(A) Acidosis
(B) Acidemia
(C) Alkalemia
(D) Alkalosis

Acidemia is the precise term for a human condition of acid-base disturbance characterized by high H+ ions (low pH <7.35) in the blood.

Option Analysis

• (A) Acidosis: Refers to the underlying physiologic process causing acid accumulation or base loss, which may or may not result in low blood pH; it’s the cause, not the blood state itself.

• (B) Acidemia: Correct answer. Describes the actual state of high H+ concentration in blood (pH <7.35), directly matching the query’s focus on blood disturbance.

• (C) Alkalemia: Opposite condition with low H+ ions (high pH >7.45) in blood, indicating alkalinity, not acidity.

• (D) Alkalosis: Process leading to base excess or acid loss, potentially causing high blood pH; not related to high H+ in blood.

Acid-base disturbance with high H+ ions in blood defines acidemia, a critical condition where arterial pH drops below 7.35, vital for biochemistry and competitive exams like GATE Life Sciences.

Acidemia vs Acidosis Defined

Acidemia specifically denotes low blood pH (<7.35) from excess H+ ions, while acidosis is the process (e.g., lactic acid buildup) driving it. Normal blood pH stays 7.35-7.45; deviations disrupt enzyme function and oxygen delivery.

Causes of High H+ Blood Levels

Common triggers include metabolic types (ketoacidosis, renal failure) or respiratory (CO2 retention), overwhelming buffers like bicarbonate. Compensation via hyperventilation lowers PCO2 to normalize pH.

Clinical Detection and Implications

Arterial blood gas tests confirm acidemia (pH <7.35, low HCO3- or high PCO2); untreated, it leads to coma or shock. In exams, note: acidemia is the state, acidosis the process.

Exam Tips for GATE Life Sciences

Distinguish terms: high H+ blood = acidemia, not acidosis process. Practice with scenarios like diabetic ketoacidosis causing acidemia.