6.3. Simple Acid/Base Disorders - Respiratory Alkalosis Flashcards
1
Q
What is respiratory alkalosis?
A
Alkalosis of respiratory origin
2
Q
What causes respiratory alkalosis?
A
An increased ventilation
3
Q
Why does an increased ventilation cause alkalosis?
A
This causes a decrease in the PCO2 due to the CO2 “blow-off”
4
Q
What can cause acute respiratory alkalosis?
A
- Voluntary hyperventilation
- Aspirin
- First ascent to altitude
5
Q
What can cause chronic respiratory alkalosis?
A
Long term residence at altitude
6
Q
What does long-term residence at altitude stimulate? And why?
A
A decrease in the PCO2 to less than 60mmHg stimulates peripheral chemoreceptors to increase ventilation
7
Q
How are alkaline conditions dealt with?
A
By bicarbonate reabsorptive mechanisms
8
Q
What does a decrease in PCO2 result in?
A
- Less H+ ions available for secretion
- Less filtered bicarbonate is reabsorbed
- More bicarbonate is lost in the urine
9
Q
What must be normalized to correct the disturbance?
A
Ventilation
