ABSTRACT
4.9.2 Mixed acid-base disorders Mixed acid-base disturbances are common in the critically ill patient. Although the diagnosis is formally made by analyzing the patient’s arterial blood gas and serum electrolytes, the history remains an important diagnostic tool. There are few absolute rules in determining a mixed acid-base disturbance. It should be noted that compensation, whether metabolic or respiratory, never overcorrects, and rarely restores a normal pH.
