Acid/Base Balance

Question 1

What is the significance of the urine having a much wider pH?

Answer 1

The urine can be made more alkaline than the blood in order to rid H+ ions

Question 2

What is the difference between a weak acid and a strong acid?

Answer 2

A strong acid will completely dissociate while a weak acid will dissociate incompletely

Question 3

What is the pH limit for survival?

Answer 3

6.8-8

Question 4

What is the equation for Henderson-Hasselbach?

Answer 4

pH = pk + log (HCO3)/ (0.3 x CO2)

Question 5

What are three buffers used when H+ become elevated?

Answer 5

Chemical (HCO3)
Respiration (CO2 loss)
Renal

Question 6

What are the most important ECF and ICF buffers?

Answer 6

HCO3 ECF

Proteins ICF

Question 7

What form of hydrogen is controlled by ventilation?

Answer 7

CO2 (volatile acid)

Question 8

What part of the nephron does H secretion and HCO3 reabsorption not occur?

Answer 8

Loop of Henle

Question 9

What two buffer systems of the kidneys are used when HCO3 is exhausted?

Answer 9

NaHPO4 –> NaH2PO4

NH3 –> NH4

Question 10

How can hypokalemia lead to alkalosis?

Answer 10

K shifts out into ECF in exchange for H+ maintain electroneutrality