ATI Pathophysiology Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Metabolic acidosis primarily occurs due to the accumulation of acids in the body or the loss of bicarbonate. This condition can arise from various sources, including the buildup of metabolic acids — for example, lactic acid during strenuous exercise or diabetic ketoacidosis — and from scenarios where bicarbonate is lost, such as severe diarrhea, where there is a significant loss of bicarbonate-rich fluids.

The body's normal metabolic processes produce acids, and under healthy circumstances, the kidneys and lungs work to maintain the acid-base balance by excreting excess acids and regulating bicarbonate levels. When there is an overwhelming accumulation of acids or significant bicarbonate loss, the body can no longer maintain this balance, leading to a decrease in blood pH, which is the defining characteristic of metabolic acidosis. Understanding this mechanism is essential for recognizing the various clinical scenarios that can lead to metabolic acidosis and for implementing appropriate interventions to correct the underlying causes.