Acid-Base Flashcards
What are the 3 body buffers of acid?
- Proteins
- Haemoglobin
- Carbonic acid/bicarbonate
What 2 ways is the body’s acid excreted?
- Lungs
2. Kidneys
In what 3 situations do acid-base disturbances occur?
- Problem with ventilation
- Problem with renal function
- Overwhelming acid or base load that the body can’t handle
What is the relationship between the actual and standard bicarbonate?
Standard bicarbonate is calculated from the actual bicarbonate but assuming 37oC and a paCO2 of 5.3kPa
What does the standard bicarbonate reflect?
The metabolic component of acid-base balance
What does it mean if pH and pCO2 are changing in the same direction?
The primary problem is metabolic
What does it mean if the pH and pCO2 are changing different directions?
The primary problem is respiratory
What does it mean if pCO2 and bicarb are moving in the same direction?
Compensation is likely to be occurring
What does it mean if pCO2 and bicarb are moving in different directions?
Suspect a mixed disorder
Describe the compensation for metabolic acidosis?
- RESPIRATORY: pCO2 must fall, therefore minute volume must increase (Kussmaul respiration)
- METABOLIC (renal): secrete more acid (also make new bicarbs), plasma H+ decreases and plasma bicarb rises to normal
How do you compensate for a metabolic alkalosis?
pCO2 must increase so minute volume must fall
