A doctor might give bicarbonate (HCO3-) to a patient who is breathing very rapidly. What is the doctor assuming about the patient's blood chemistry?

The fluid which is responsible for the circulation of various substances in the body is blood. Blood has a moderately alkaline pH. However, more release of carbon dioxide as a byproduct through metabolic process increases the pH of the blood, causing it to become acidic.

The presence of hemoglobin provides color to the blood. This pigment allows the attachment of carbon dioxide and oxygen.

Metabolic acidosis is caused when the kidney fails to reabsorb the acid. The increased acid also leads to an increase in the heart rate. Bicarbonate is an alkaline component released during the metabolic process. The lack of bicarbonates causes an increase in the blood pH.

The more concentration of hydrogen ions leads to low pH. The blood with low pH is acidic. The doctor can diagnose low pH in the patient due to increased heart rate. The homeostasis mechanism of the body regulates the blood pH level by increasing the heart rate.

The more supply of oxygenated blood to the body tissue regulates the pH of the blood. Therefore, to normalize the blood pH, the doctor can give the patient bicarbonate (alkaline) substance. It reduces the hydrogen ion in the blood and results in high pH.