Q: At what PH Metabolic Alkalosis should be viewed as concern and treatment should be sought

A) 7.45

B) 7.50

C) 7.55

D) 7.6

E) 7.7

Answer:    C

Unfortunately, in ICU metabolic alkalosis does not enjoy as much respect as metabolic acidosis, At least one study, which is now about 28 years old, looked directly into morbidity and mortality related to severity of metabolic alkalosis. The mortality associated with severe metabolic alkalosis was around 45% in patients with an arterial blood pH of 7.55 and 80% when the pH was greater than 7.65. 

Reference:

Anderson LE, Henrich WL: Alkalemia-associated morbidity and mortality in medical and surgical patients. South Med J 80 : 729-733, 1987