Definitions and terminology in blood acid-base chemistry.

1. Should Brfinsted-Lowry's acid-base definitions be adopted or should the term acid-base balance be synonymous with the term electrolyte balance? 2. Are the relevant parameters pH, Pcoz and actual bicarbonate, or is it preferable to have a more direct measure for the accumulation of nonvolatile acid or base than the bicarbonate value, such as, for instance, standard bicarbonate, buffer base, or base excess? 3. Is it more simple to state the acidity directly as H + concentration (or activity) than to use pH? 4. How should the CO2-tension be symbolized and which units should be used? 5. How is the best expression obtained for the accumulation of nonvolatile acid or base in blood? 6. What is meant by acidosis and alkalosis, respectively? Which is the most rational nomenclature for the various acid-base disturbances?