Nonrespiratory, or metabolic, acidosis results from either a loss of bicarbonate or an increase in organic acids (such as ketoacids or lactic acid). Both cause a decrease in the blood pH.
Initially, nonrespiratory acidosis can be recognized by examining the blood pH to first determine acidosis and then comparing the pCO2 and HCO3- levels. If the pH is less than 7.35 and the HCO3- is decreased with a normal pCO2, the body is in nonrespiratory acidosis.
The body will compensate for nonrespiratory acidosis via the respiratory system. Hyperventilation will lower the pCO2 which will result in an increase in the pH.
