- Normal range of arterial blood pH and the importance of maintenance of this range
- Henderson-Hasselbach equation for bicarbonate and CO2 equilibrium
- The anion gap - components and calculation
- The typical ABG features of metabolic + respiratory alkalosis and acidosis
- An understanding of the primary systemic compensations which occur in each type
- Metabolic acidosis differentials
- Urinary acidification (bicarbonate reabsorption + acid formation + handling of ammonia)
- The kidneys as net renal excretors of acid
- Factors influencing renal secretion and excretion of hydrogen