Acid/Base Balance

Question 1

What is the normal pH and it’s range?

Answer 1

7.4 (7.35-7.45)

Question 2

What is the pH balance maintained by?

Answer 2

Mechanisms that generate, buffer & eliminated acids & bases

Question 3

What are most body acids & bases?

Answer 3

Weak

Weak base HCO3-
Weak acid H2CO3

Question 4

What are the 3 main buffering systems pH of bodily fluids is regulated by?

Answer 4

Intracellular & extracellular buffers
The lungs eliminating CO2
Renal HCO3- absorption & H+ elimination

Question 5

Which is the most important buffer?

Answer 5

The carbonic acid/ bicarbonate buffer which works with lungs to compensate for increased carbonic acid production

Question 6

What is the bicarbonate buffer equation?

Answer 6

CO2+H2O=H2CO3= HCO3- + H+
Carbonic anhydrase
Carbonic acid
Bicarbonate

Question 7

What happens when a person hypoventilates?

Answer 7

Inadequate ventilation of alveoli
CO2 cannot be excreted and expired adequately
ppCO2 increases
Carbonic acid production increases
Increased H+ conc
Respiratory acidosis

Question 8

What happens when a person hyperventilates?

Answer 8

Decrease ppCO2
Decrease H+
Respiratory alkalosis

Question 9

What is the Henderson Hasselbalch equation?

Answer 9

pH=6.1+log10 ([HCO3-]/[0.03pCO2])

• = Dissociation constant for the bicarbonate buffer system
  0. 03*pCO2= estimate of H2CO3
  0. 03=the blood CO2 solubility co efficient

Question 10

What is buffer system also controlled by?

Answer 10

Metabolic (renal) acidosis / alkalosis