17. Acid/Base disorders Flashcards
What key equation is needed for this?
H + HCO H2CO3 CO2 + H2O
If the kidneys excrete Hydrogen in exchange for bicarb, why do hydrogen ions go up in a respiratory acidosis?
1 hydrogen ion added causes more of an effect than 1 bicarbonate ion added
How long does it take the kidneys to take effect and compensate the respiratory acidosis?
48-72 hours
What happens during a respiratory acidosis
Carbon dioxide increases (COPD, Choking)
What causes a respiratory alkalosis
Carbon dioxide decreases (hyperventilation, over mechanically ventilated)
What causes a metabolic acidosis
Increased production of hydrogen ions (ketoacidosis)
A reduction in bicarbonate (abnormal renal function,
bowel fistula)
How long does it take the respiratory system to compensate a metabolic acidosis/alkalosis
Quickly the respiratory system will change due to central chemoreceptors
What causes a metabolic alkalosis
Decrease in hydrogen (vomit, potassium deficiency)
Increase in bicarbonate
What is mean by the anion gap?
(sodium and postassiumion)-(chloride and bicarbonate ions)
This should be around 14-18
If elevated this can give you a clue to the cause
What causes an elevated anion gap?
Renal disease
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Lactic acidosis
Poisoning
Why does thiamine deficiency cause metabolic acidosis?
It is a co-factor for cellular respiration
What does it show if the anion gap is normal?
Chronic diarrhoea or intestinal fistula
Renal tubular acidosis
What type of acidosis is caused by a thiamine deficiency?
Lactic acidosis
