Which term describes excess base in the blood?

• A. Alkalosis
• B. Metabolism
• C. Aerobic Metabolism
• D. Shock

Answer: (A)

Excess base in the blood raises the pH, producing alkalosis. Blood pH normally sits around 7.35–7.45; when base is in excess (such as increased bicarbonate or a loss of acids), the pH climbs above this range, and the body is said to be alkalotic. This label covers situations where the primary issue is too much base relative to acid, even though alkalosis can arise from different underlying mechanisms (metabolic or respiratory). The other terms don’t describe this acid–base imbalance: metabolism and aerobic metabolism refer to energy production processes, and shock describes a state of insufficient blood flow, not a pH abnormality.