Acidosis happens if pH is less than ___ .

• A. 7.35
• B. 7.40
• C. 7.45
• D. 7.20

Answer: (B)

Acidosis occurs when the blood pH becomes too acidic, meaning it falls below the normal lower limit. The body keeps pH within a tight range so enzymes and many cellular processes function properly; when pH drops below that lower threshold, acidemia is present. The opposite state, alkalosis, happens when pH rises above the upper end of the normal range. So, for this item, acidosis is defined by a pH that is below the normal lower limit, while values at or above that limit do not indicate acidosis.