Which healthy range represents bicarbonate (HCO3)?

Which healthy range represents bicarbonate (HCO3)?

• A. 25-30 (meq/L)
• B. 18.4-25.6 (meq/L)
• C. 10-15 (meq/L)
• D. 30-40 (meq/L)

Answer: (B)

The healthy range for bicarbonate (HCO3) in the blood is typically recognized to fall within the values of 22-28 mEq/L, but the most accurate choice given the options is the range of 18.4-25.6 mEq/L. Bicarbonate is a crucial buffer in the body that helps maintain the acid-base balance by neutralizing excess acids, thus offering an essential role in respiratory and metabolic processes. Values that fall within this range support proper metabolic function and indicate a normal physiological response to various homeostatic changes. When bicarbonate levels are outside this range, it can suggest imbalances in acid-base status, which could be due to metabolic conditions or respiratory disorders. The other provided ranges for bicarbonate are either too high or too low. The options like 10-15 mEq/L are significantly lower than the typical physiological levels and would often indicate acidosis, while ranges like 30-40 mEq/L would suggest alkalosis—both of which are not compatible with healthy physiological function.

The healthy range for bicarbonate (HCO3) in the blood is typically recognized to fall within the values of 22-28 mEq/L, but the most accurate choice given the options is the range of 18.4-25.6 mEq/L. Bicarbonate is a crucial buffer in the body that helps maintain the acid-base balance by neutralizing excess acids, thus offering an essential role in respiratory and metabolic processes.

Values that fall within this range support proper metabolic function and indicate a normal physiological response to various homeostatic changes. When bicarbonate levels are outside this range, it can suggest imbalances in acid-base status, which could be due to metabolic conditions or respiratory disorders.

The other provided ranges for bicarbonate are either too high or too low. The options like 10-15 mEq/L are significantly lower than the typical physiological levels and would often indicate acidosis, while ranges like 30-40 mEq/L would suggest alkalosis—both of which are not compatible with healthy physiological function.