Acid base balance 2 - acidosis and alkalosis Flashcards
what is the** respiratory response** to acidosis (ie increase in CO2 in blood)?
- the acidic blood stimulates the medullary respiratory centre in brain
- the brain increases the speed and depth of breathing
- an increase in ventilation increases the amount of CO2 exhaled which decreases the CO2 in the blood and therefore increases the PH (ie PH is more alkaline)
What is the** respiratory response** to alkalosis?
- alkalosis - decrease in CO2 in blood - PH = alkaline
- the rate and depth of breathing** reduces**
- therefore there is a** reduction in CO2 eliminated ** and increase in CO2 in fluids
- therefore a decreased ventilation decreases the amount of CO2 exhaled which **increases CO2 in blood and therefore PH is more acidic **
What is the** definition of acidosis**?
rememeber - PH value is important
- A PH below 7.35
what are the 2 types of acidosis?
- respiratory
- metabolic
what is the definition of alkalosis?
- PH above 7.45
what is respiratory / metabolic acidosis or alkalosis dependent on?
the **ratio **of HCO3- : PCO2
what are examples of symptoms associated with acidosis?
- depressed CNS
- coma
- disorientated
what are examples of symptoms associated with alkalosis?
- hyperexcitability of CNS
- spasms, tetany and convulsions (uncontrollable muscle contractions)
What are the axis’ of the davenport diagram?
- on the Y axis - there is the plasma concentration of HCO3-
- on the X axis, there is the PH
what does the davenport diagram describe?
- This diagram describes the relationship between [HCO3-], PH and PCO2
On the davenport diagram, if the [HCO3-] is raised, what occurs?
if the [HCO3-] is raised, the PH increases (ie more alkaline)
on the davneport diagram, if the [HCO3-] is decreased, what occurs?
if the [HCO3-] decreaes, the PH decreases (more acidic)
what are examples of causes of respiratory acidosis?
- hypoventilation - depression of respiratory centre (not breathing fast enough)
- asphyxia (eg when airway is physically blocked)
- asthma
- severe emphysema (sacs in lungs are damaged)
Is there an increase or decrease in PCO2 for respiratory acidosis?
- increase in PCO2
what happens to the ratio of HCO3-:PCO2 and the PH during respiratory acidosis?
both decrease