Caitlin is hospitalized and the initial blood work indicates low levels of bicarbonate in the blood, this would indicate the individual is probably suffering from metabolic acidosis and is breathing faster than normal.
When the body produces too much acid, metabolic acidosis occurs. It can also happen if the kidneys are unable to adequately eliminate acid from the body. Acid buildup due to increased acid synthesis or acid consumption, decreased acid excretion, or gastrointestinal or renal bicarbonate () loss can all contribute to metabolic acidosis.
The classification of metabolic acidosis depends on whether the anion gap is high or normal. People with metabolic acidosis frequently experience nausea, vomiting, and exhaustion. They may also breathe more rapidly and deeply than usual.
Therefore, the individual is probably suffering from metabolic acidosis and is breathing faster than normal.
Learn more about acidosis here;
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