Which statement best describes the acidosis component of the lethal triad?

Which statement best describes the acidosis component of the lethal triad?

• A. Decreased tissue perfusion due to shock
• B. Anaerobic metabolism increasing lactate in blood
• C. Both decreased perfusion and lactate increase
• D. Increased oxygen delivery to tissues

Answer: (D)

The acidosis component of the lethal triad comes from metabolic acidosis caused by lactate buildup when tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen. When perfusion falls, cells rely more on anaerobic glycolysis, which converts pyruvate to lactate and releases hydrogen ions. This lactate accumulation lowers blood pH, producing acidosis. Increasing oxygen delivery would help restore aerobic metabolism and reduce lactate production, so it doesn’t describe the acidosis itself. While reduced tissue perfusion is part of the overall problem, the acidosis mechanism is best described by anaerobic metabolism increasing lactate in the blood.

The acidosis component of the lethal triad comes from metabolic acidosis caused by lactate buildup when tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen. When perfusion falls, cells rely more on anaerobic glycolysis, which converts pyruvate to lactate and releases hydrogen ions. This lactate accumulation lowers blood pH, producing acidosis. Increasing oxygen delivery would help restore aerobic metabolism and reduce lactate production, so it doesn’t describe the acidosis itself. While reduced tissue perfusion is part of the overall problem, the acidosis mechanism is best described by anaerobic metabolism increasing lactate in the blood.