Lactic acidosis physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Saud Khan M.D.

Overview

There are no specific signs to determine lactic acidosis but its cause may be evaluated via thorough examination.

Look for signs of hypovolemic, cardiogenic, septic or toxic shock.
To classify the lactic acidosis look for signs of tissue hypoperfusion such as hypotension, tachypnea, confusion, peripheral shutdown (check capillary refill) and oliguria.
Look for evidence of a septic focus and hyperthermia (hypothermia in advanced sepsis).
Kussmaul’s breathing may occur in cases of severe acidosis being compensated by respiratory effort.