Acid-Base Homeostasis and Disorders

This advanced topic is essential for tertiary-level students in Zambia studying clinical biochemistry, medicine, or critical care. It provides a detailed examination of the mechanisms maintaining hydrogen ion balance, including respiratory and renal compensation. Learners will master the diagnostic approach to acid-base disorders such as metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and alkalosis, including the calculation and interpretation of the anion gap. Understanding these principles is critical for success in professional examinations and for clinical practice in Zambian hospitals, where managing acid-base imbalances is common in emergency and intensive care settings. This module equips students with the analytical skills to interpret arterial blood gases and contribute effectively to patient management teams.