Final answer:
Eli was suffering from acidosis caused by consuming a lot of lemon juice, and the intravenous bicarbonate solution helped to neutralize excess acid in his blood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Eli likely experienced difficulty breathing due to acidosis caused by the excessive intake of lemon juice, which contains citric acid. Drinking too much citric acid can lower the pH level of the bloodstream, thus leading to a state of acidosis. In response to this, the medical staff administered an intravenous solution of bicarbonate. The bicarbonate acts as a base and neutralizes the excess acid in the bloodstream, thus correcting the pH imbalance. This medical intervention helps to stabilize Eli's breathing and overall condition.