This book is not intended to replace the numerous other textbooks on acid-base or to provide a shortcut around the many hours of study required to understand acid-base syndromes as they relate to the broader context of medical illness. Rather, the goal of this book is to provide a bridge between the acid-base physiology taught in the classroom and the evaluation of the patient on the wards. This book will enable the reader to develop a practical and reasoned approach to the patient with an acid-base disorder