What does a normal base excess range from?

The normal base excess is an important parameter in assessing a patient’s acid-base status, often used in conjunction with arterial blood gas analysis. The typical normal range for base excess is from -2 to +2 mEq/L. This range reflects the body’s acid-base balance, indicating how well the body can compensate for metabolic disturbances. A base excess value of 0 signifies no metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, while values outside this range can indicate a need for further investigation and potential interventions.

Other ranges provided do not accurately reflect the standard accepted values for base excess in clinical practice. For instance, a range from -5 to 0 and 0 to +5 would include values typically beyond the recognized normal limits, and -1 to +1 is overly restrictive. Understanding these ranges is crucial for identifying acid-base abnormalities in patients, enabling healthcare providers to make informed treatment decisions.