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Metabolic Acidosis — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

↓ pH, ↓ HCO₃⁻

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Metabolic Acidosis on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Key numbers

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What to look for

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Notify / act now

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Why it happens

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ABG pattern: low pH (under 7.35) with low HCO3 (under 22 mEq/L); the bicarbonate change drives the disorder.

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