Acid Base Balance

Question 1

What are the four different acid-base balance disturbances?

Answer 1

Respiratory alkalosis and acidosis

Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis

Question 2

what is the Henderson hasselbalch equation?

Answer 2

pH = pK + Log (base/acid) OR pH = 6.1+ Log 10 (base/acid)

Question 3

What is an acid?

Answer 3

donates protons

Question 4

what is a base?

Answer 4

accepts protons

Question 5

What is the function of a buffer?

Answer 5

minimise pH change when an acid or base is added. eg. plasma proteins, HCO3- and haemoglobin

Question 6

What is metabolic acidosis?

Answer 6

Increased production or retention of acids. High H+ levels. Loss of HCO3-. Correct by excreting excess H+ ions.

Question 7

What is metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 7

Addition of bases, remove H+, increased plasma HCO3-. correct by excreting HCO3-

Question 8

What causes Metabolic acidosis?

Answer 8

ingestion and production of acids

Question 9

What causes metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 9

vomiting, diarrhoea (Loss of acids)

Question 10

What is respiratory acidosis?

Answer 10

excess CO2, increased H+ ions and HCO3- ions, due to impaired ventilation

Question 11

What is respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 11

removal of CO2, decrease in H+ ions and HCO3- ions, due to hyperventilation

Question 12

How long does it take to produce ammonia during metabolic acidosis?

Answer 12

2-3 days.

Question 13

what happens to ammonia levels if H+ levels increase?

Answer 13

NH3 production increases

Question 14

What is the normal level of plasma HCO3-?

Answer 14

28mmol/L