Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
substance that releases hydrogen ions (H+)
Acid
have a low hydrogen ion concentration and can accept hydrogen ions in solution.
Bases (Alkalis)
the relative acidity or alkalinity of a solution
pH
reflects the hydrogen ion concentration of the solution (inversely proportional)
pH
normal pH
7.35-7.45
prevent excessive changes in pH by removing or releasing hydrogen ions
buffers
Major buffer systems in the ECF:
- Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
- Carbonic acid (H2CO3)
acid buffer; opponent of acids
Bicarbonate (HCO3-)
weak acid
Carbonic acid (H2CO3)
TO ACHIEVE NORMAL pH
1 part Carbonic Acid (1.2 mEq/L) : 20 parts bicarbonate (24
mEq/L)
adding a strong acid in the ECF, depleting the bicarbonate and lowering the pH levels
ACIDOSIS
adding a strong base to the ECF, depleting carbonic acid as it combines with the base, increasing the pH levels.
ALKALOSIS
The lungs help regulate acid-base balance by eliminating or retaining Carbon Dioxide (CO2), a potential acid
RESPIRATORY REGULATION
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) + Water (H2O) =
Carbonic acid (H2CO3)
The lungs help regulate acid-base balance by ________________________________, a potential acid.
eliminating or retaining Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
respiration rate and depth increases, exhaling CO2 and decreasing carbonic acid levels
High Carbonic acid (H2CO3) and CO2 levels
the respiration rate and dept are reduced, retaining CO2 and increasing carbonic acid levels
High Bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels
are the ultimate long-term regulator of acidbase balance, although slower to respond to changes
Kidneys
regulate pH by reabsorbing and regenerating bicarbonate and hydrogen ions
Kidneys
Hydrogen ion (H+) + Bicarbonate (HCO3-) =
Carbonic acid (H2CO3)
kidneys reabsorb and regenerate bicarbonate and excrete hydrogen ions ○ H2CO3»_space; H+ (excreted) and HCO3- (retained)
High H+ ions (acidic)
excess bicarbonate is excreted and H+ ion is retained ○ H2CO3»_space; H+ (retained) and HCO3- (excreted)
Low H+ ions (alkalosis)
FACTORS AFFECTING BODY FLUID, ELECTROLYTES, AND ACID-BASE BALANCE:
◎ Age
◎ Gender and Body Size
◎ Environmental Temperature
◎ Lifestyle
Two basic types of Fluid Imbalances
Isotonic and Osmolar
water and electrolytes are lost or gained in equal proportions
Isotonic
loss or gain of only water, so that the osmolality of the serum is altered (electrolytes are concentrated)
Osmolar
Four Categories of Fluid Imbalances
◎ Fluid Volume Deficit
◎ Fluid Volume Excess
◎ Dehydration (hyperosmolar imbalance)
◎ Overhydration (hypo-osmolar imbalance)
The body loses both water and electrolytes from the ECF (intravascular compartment) in similar proportions
Fluid Volume Deficit (FVD)
The body loses both water and electrolytes from the ECF (intravascular compartment) in similar proportions, so it often is called ______________________
hypovolemia
Causes of Fluid Volume Deficit (FV):
○ Abnormal losses through the skin, GI tract, kidney
○ Movement of fluid in a third space (area that deems the fluid unavailable for us)
The body retains both water and sodium in similar proportions to normal ECF
Fluid Volume Excess (FVE)
The body retains both water and sodium in similar proportions to normal ECF, often called ___________________________
hypervolemia
Causes of Fluid Volume Excess (FVE):
○ Increased intake of NaCl (sodium level is still normal, since both water and sodium are equally retained)
○ Infusion of sodium-containing fluids rapidly
○ Disease processes (heart failure, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis)
excess interstitial fluid
Edema
leaves a small depression or pit after finger pressure is applied
Pitting Edema
Water is lost from the body, leaving the client with excess sodium
Dehydration (Hyperosmolar imbalance)
Sodium levels are increased
Dehydration (Hyperosmolar imbalance)
Cells are dehydrated/shrunk
Dehydration (Hyperosmolar imbalance)
Causes of Dehydration (Hyperosmolar imbalance)
○ Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
○ Osmotic diuresis
○ Administration of hypertonic solutions
Water is gained in excess of electrolytes, resulting in low serum osmolality and low serum Na+ levels
Overhydration (hypo-osmolar imbalance)
Cells are swollen
Overhydration (hypo-osmolar imbalance)