Panic values for pH are at which level(s)?

• A. 7.2 and 7.6
• B. 7.0 and 7.4
• C. 7.0 and 7.6
• D. 7.2 and 7.4

Answer: (A)

Extreme pH deviations are life-threatening because they disrupt enzyme function, electrolyte balance, and the stability of many bodily systems. Normal arterial pH is about 7.35–7.45. When pH falls to 7.2 or lower, severe acidemia can depress heart function and provoke dangerous arrhythmias. When pH rises to 7.6 or higher, severe alkalemia increases neuromuscular excitability and can lead to seizures or impaired cerebral blood flow. Because these levels require immediate clinical action, they are designated as panic (critical) values. Other numbers like 7.0 or 7.4 don’t consistently represent urgent boundaries, whereas 7.2 and 7.6 define the thresholds in both directions.