Dr. Bill Bortcosh, a pediatric critical care expert, dives deep into the acid-base status evaluation essential for patient care. He discusses the practical application of the anion gap and how it serves as a vital screening tool. The conversation explores the nuances of fluid management, focusing on the effects of normal saline versus Plasmalite on chloride levels. Bortcosh also addresses the complexities of diagnosing metabolic acidosis, including renal tubular acidosis, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning in navigating these challenges.

Dr. Bill Bortcosh, a pediatric critical care expert and associate medical director of safety, shares insights into acid-base diagnosis in this engaging discussion. He emphasizes the importance of understanding acid-base status for acute care, illustrates this with a compelling case study, and explains the role of anion gap in diagnosis. Bortcosh also explores the emotional challenges in critical care and discusses his transition to pharmaceutical safety, shedding light on drug safety assessments and the complexities faced by healthcare providers.