Acid and Base Balance

Question 1

Low pH + high CO2

and cause

Answer 1

respiratory acidosis

Any condition causing airway obstruction or depression

Question 2

Low pH + low HCO3

and cause

Answer 2

metabolic acidosis

• Insufficient insulin in pt w DM = DKA
• Severe diarrhea can cause metabolic acidosis

Question 3

High pH + low CO2

and cause

Answer 3

respiratory alkalosis

• Any condition causing overstimulation of the respiratory system
(e.g. hyperventilation, hysteria, overventilation, etc.)

Question 4

High pH + high HCO3

and cause

Answer 4

metabolic alkalosis

• GI suctioning or severe vomiting can cause metabolic alkalosis

Question 5

What happens to RR in acidosis?

Answer 5

RR increases to try and exhale acids

Question 6

What happens to RR in alkalosis?

Answer 6

RR decreases to try and retain CO2 in order to neutralize + decrease the strength of excess bicarb

Question 7

What controls carbonic acid levels?

Answer 7

Lungs

CO2 will either be retained or blown off

Question 8

What controls bicarb concentration?

Answer 8

Kidneys

(will retain or excrete bicarb) - Correcting acid/base balance by the kidneys takes hours to days