Acid Base Balance Flashcards
Acid + example
substance that releases H+ when dissolved in water/body fluids
H+ = proton
Base + example
substance that accepts or binds to hydrogen ions
HCO3-
Acidosis
the process by which protons are produced in a large amount
increase in proton production
Alkalosis
the process by which there is a decrease in proton production/concentration (H+)
Buffer
can react as either acid or base, depending on pH of the solution
What are arterial blood gases
Provide valuable information on patient’s acid-base and oxygenation status
Reflect respiratory and metabolic functions
Constant byproduct of cellular metabolism: CO2 and water
What is pH and normal value?
7.35-7.45
* Concentration of hydrogen ions
* Hydrogen ions = acidic
What does PCO2 tell you and normal value?
35-45mmHg
Partial pressure of carbon dioxide
The amount of CO2 is directly proportional to:
the number of hydrogen ions; corresponds with acid
The more carbon dioxide in your blood the more _____ your blood is
Acidic
Carbon dioxide levels will be altered in ______
respiratory acidosis/alkalosis
Controlled by lungs
Bicarb normal value
22-28mmol/l
The more bicarbonate you have in your blood, the more ____ it is
basic
Bicarbonate levels will be altered in:
Metabolic acidosis/alkalosis
Normal PaO2 levels and when are decreases seen?
80-100mmHg
decreases above sea level and with increasing age
What does PaO2 give information on?
does not give information on whether patient is in respiratory/metabolic acidosis only hypoxemia
Normal base excess level
0 + 2.0mEq/L
4 Steps of ABG analysis
- Identify acidosis/alkalosis
- look at pH - Identify respiratory/metabolic
- look at CO2 (altered in resp)
- look at HCO3 (altered in metabolic) - Identify compensation
- other value normal = none
- other value outside = compensated
> normal pH = full
> abnormal pH = partial
Respiratory Alkalosis Values
high pH, low CO2, normal HCO3 (unless compensated)
Respiratory Acidosis Values
low pH, high CO2, normal HCO3 (unless compensated)
Metabolic Alkalosis Values
high pH, high HCO3, normal CO2 (unless compensated)