acid base balance Flashcards
what is acid base balance
maintenance of arterial blood ph
normal ph
7.35-7.45
what does ph measure
free hydrogen ions in blood and other fluid
- need balance between production and elimination
acid base imbalance leads to
- decrease hormone, enzyme and drug function
- F&E imbalances
- heart, nerves, muscles and gi tract: more or less active
acids
substances that release hydrogen ions
bases
bind with free hydrogen ions decrease free hydrogren
- bicarbonate (HCO3)- most common
buffers
can act as acids (releasing hydrogen ions) or bases (binding w/ hydrogen ions)
cellular buffers- 1st line
act as a sponge to soak up extra hydrogen ions if there are too many acidic or release hydrogen ions if not enough (alkaline)
lungs- 2nd line
acidic: lungs blow off additional co2, rapid deep breaths
alkaline: conserve co2 via shallow breaths
kidneys- slow response
regulation of bicarbonate
ph level
7.35-7.45
PaCO2 level
35-45 mm hg
HCO3 level
21-28 mEq/l
respiratory acidosis levels
ph < 7.35
PaCO2 >45mmhg
respiratory acidosis causes
- slow shallow respirations
- respiratory congestion/ obstruction
respiratory acidosis signs and symptoms
- increasingly difficult breathing
- dyspnea
- weakness
- dizziness
- sleepiness
- change in alertness
respiratory acidosis treatment
- establish and maintain airway
- oxygen
- deep breathing exercises
- bronchodilators
- antibiotics
metabolic acidosis levels
ph <7.35
hco3 <21
metabolic acidosis causes
- shock, poor circulation
- diabetic ketoacidosis
- renal failure
- diarrhea
metabolic acidosis s/s
- weakness
- lethargy
- confusion
- headache
- stupor/unconsciousness
- coma
metabolic acidosis treatment
- identify and treat underlying cause
- insulin
- dialysis
- iv bicarb and lactate
respiratory alkalosis levels
ph > 7.35
PAco2 <35mmhg
respiratory alkalosis causes
- hyperventilation
- anxiety
- high fever
- overdose of asa
respiratory alkalosis s/s
- deep rapid breathing
- tingling of fingers
- pallor around mouth
- dizziness
- muscle spasms of hands
respiratory alkalosis treatment
- breathing through rebreather mask or paper bag
metabolic alkalosis levels
ph > 7.45
HC03 > 28 meq/l
metabolic alkalosis causes
- vomiting
- excessive antacid intake
- hypokalemia
metabolic alkalosis s/s
- irritability
- disorientation
- lethargy
- muscle twitching
- numbness and tingling
metabolic alkalosis treatment
- IVF
- electrolyte replacement
