________ are important in determining respiratory acidosis and/or alkalosis as well as metabolic acidosis and/or alkalosis.

A) Acid-fast bacilli
B) Antistreptolysin O
C) Arterial blood gases
D) Pulmonary function tests

Arterial Blood Gases

A test that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in arterial blood, used to assess lung function and acid-base balance.

Respiratory Acidosis

A medical condition characterized by decreased acidity in the blood and other body fluids due to the accumulation of carbon dioxide as a result of impaired lung function.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition where the body produces excessive acid, or the kidneys are not removing enough acid from the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH.