What is the health range for base excess/deficit?

The correct health range for base excess/deficit is from -5.5 to 0.1 milliequivalents per liter (meq/L). This range is important in assessing a patient's acid-base status. Base excess refers to the amount of excess or insufficient base in the bloodstream and is used to evaluate metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. A base excess within this range indicates a relatively normal metabolic state, where values towards the lower end (-5.5) may indicate a slight metabolic acidosis and values closer to 0.1 indicate a more balanced metabolic condition.

Values that fall outside of this range can signal significant metabolic disturbances. For instance, a base excess lower than -5.5 may indicate severe acidosis, which could require immediate clinical intervention. Understanding this range is crucial for healthcare providers in monitoring the metabolic state of their patients and making appropriate medical decisions.