Acid Base Balance Flashcards
What is the normal pH range of human blood?
7.35 to 7.45
True or False: Acidosis refers to a condition where blood pH is below 7.35.
True
What is the primary buffer system in the human body?
Bicarbonate buffer system
Fill in the blank: The lungs help regulate acid-base balance by controlling the levels of __________ in the blood.
carbon dioxide
What organ is primarily responsible for the excretion of hydrogen ions?
Kidneys
Which condition is characterized by an increase in blood pH?
Alkalosis
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a cause of metabolic acidosis? A) Hyperventilation B) Diarrhea C) Vomiting D) COPD
B) Diarrhea
What is the role of hemoglobin in acid-base balance?
Hemoglobin can bind to hydrogen ions, helping to buffer pH changes.
True or False: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is decreased carbon dioxide retention.
False
What is the primary effect of respiratory alkalosis on carbon dioxide levels?
It decreases carbon dioxide levels.
Fill in the blank: The Henderson-Hasselbalch equation relates the pH of a solution to the concentration of __________ and __________.
carbonic acid; bicarbonate
What is the significance of the anion gap in metabolic acidosis?
It helps to determine the cause of acidosis.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following conditions is associated with metabolic alkalosis? A) Renal failure B) Excessive vomiting C) Lactic acidosis D) Diabetic ketoacidosis
B) Excessive vomiting
What compensatory mechanism occurs in the kidneys during respiratory acidosis?
Increased reabsorption of bicarbonate.
True or False: A high partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) indicates respiratory alkalosis.
False
What role do electrolytes play in acid-base balance?
Electrolytes help to maintain osmotic balance and influence pH.
Fill in the blank: The normal bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration in arterial blood is approximately __________ mEq/L.
22 to 26
What is the effect of hyperventilation on blood pH?
It increases blood pH, leading to respiratory alkalosis.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a buffer in the bicarbonate buffer system? A) Carbonic acid B) Bicarbonate C) Phosphate D) Water
D) Water
What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?
Hypoventilation
True or False: The body can fully compensate for severe acid-base imbalances.
False
What is the relationship between pH and hydrogen ion concentration?
They are inversely related; as pH decreases, hydrogen ion concentration increases.
Fill in the blank: The compensation for metabolic acidosis primarily occurs through __________.
hyperventilation
What happens to bicarbonate levels during metabolic acidosis?
They decrease.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is a sign of acidosis? A) Confusion B) Hyperactivity C) High energy D) Euphoria
A) Confusion
What is the primary mechanism of compensation for metabolic alkalosis?
Hypoventilation to retain carbon dioxide.
True or False: Acidosis can lead to increased potassium levels in the blood.
True
What is the clinical significance of arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis?
It helps to assess the acid-base status and oxygenation of the patient.
Fill in the blank: The respiratory system can alter acid-base balance by changing the rate of __________.
breathing
What is the term for the accumulation of acids or loss of bicarbonate in the body?
Metabolic acidosis
