Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
what is acid base balance?
acid base balance refers to the balance of the pH in the blood. Cells work best when this pH is between 7.35-7.45.
what is the pH scale?
the pH scale is a measurement of the concentration of hydrogen ions in a solution.
How do the kidneys contribute to acid-base balance?
the kidneys can remove hydrogen ions or bicarbonate ions in the blood.
as the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution increases, its pH ______________
decreases.
how do the lungs contribute to acid-base balance?
the lungs can remove carbon dioxide in the blood.
respiratory acidosis vs metabolic acidosis?
respiratory acidosis is caused by an excess of CO2
metabolic acidosis is caused by an excess of H+ or loss of HCO3.
what is a buffer?
a buffer is a substance or organ (system) that resists a change in pH of a solution whether acid or base.
what are the three main chemical buffer systems?
the three main chemical buffer systems include: proteins, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
What the two physiological buffer systems in the human body?
the two physiological buffer systems are: the respiratory system, and the urinary system.
what is acidosis and alkalosis?
acidosis is the condition where the body acid level is below normal range, and alkalosis is when the body acid level is above the normal range.
What are the causes of respiratory acidosis and how could you recognise it?
- respiratory acidosis could be caused by an impaired lung function/gas exchange. this could be recognisable in the conditions bronchitis, emphysema or cystic fibrosis.
What are the causes of respiratory alkalosis and how could you recognise it?
respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation. (an increased CO2 excretion.) This could be brought on through stress or pain, sickness like pneumonia, or brain tumour or injury causing abnormal respiratory control.
What does compensation mean in the context of acid-base balance?
means to counterbalance
How do the lungs and the kidneys contribute to acid-base balance?
- the lungs and the kidneys contribute to acid-base balance by retaining bicarb or hydrogen ions depending on what needs to be increased or decreased.
