Acid-base and its practical application, according to the quantitative (Stewart) approach + the effects of fluids on acid-base.

Summary:

• pH is determined by the need for electrical neutrality
• Strong ions and weak acids determine acid-base, not H+ and HCO3-
• The Stewart approach allows you to quantify the contribution of different abnormalities (e.g. lactate) on metabolic acidosis
• Fluids have an effect on acid-base – saline is strongly acidotic and therefore may not be the most sensible choice!

If you want to learn more on the ‘ideal’ generic fluid, have a read of this post by Josh Farkas on the Emcrit website.