Acid-base Balance Flashcards
What is acidemia
Decrease in blood pH caused by acidosis
What is alkalemia
Increase in blood pH caused by alkalosis
What is the normal pH range
7.35-7.45
What is the body’s response to acid base imbalance called
Compensation
What are the types of compensation
Respiratory compensation
Metabolic compensation
What is respiratory acidosis caused by
Carbonic acid excess caused by blood levels of CO2 above 45mmHg
What is the compensation for respiratory acidosis
Kidneys eliminate hydrogen ion and retain bicarbonate ion
What are the symptoms of respiratory acidosis
Breathlessness
Lethargy
Tremors
Respiratory rate rapid then gradually depressed
What is the treatment of respiratory acidosis
Restore ventilation
IV lactate solution
Treat underlying disease
What is respiratory alkalosis
Excessive loss of CO2
(Hyperventilation)
What is the compensation for respiratory alkalosis
Kidneys conserve hydrogen ion, excrete bicarbonate ion
What is the treatment for respiratory alkalosis
Treat underlying cause
IV chloride containing solution
How is metabolic acidosis characterised
Bicarbonate decrease
Blood conc of bicarbonate drops below 22
How is metabolic acidosis caused
Loss of bicarb through diarrhoea or renal dysfunction
Accumulation of acids - lactic acid/ ketones
Kidneys fail to excrete H+
What is the compensation for metabolic acidosis
Increased ventilation
Renal excretion of H ions
K+ exchanges with excess H+ in ECF
What is the treatment for metabolic acidosis
IV lactate solution
What is metabolic alkalosis characterised by
Bicarbonate excess - greater than 26
How is metabolic alkalosis caused
Vomiting
Alkaline drugs
Diuretics
Extreme dehydration
What is the treatment for metabolic alkalosis
Electrolytes to replace lost ones
IV chloride containing solution
Treat underlying disorder
