Acid Base Balance

Question 1

Metabolic Acidosis

Answer 1

pH is below 7.35
HC03- is below 22 mEq/L
PaC02 is normal

Question 2

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 2

pH is above 7.45
HCO3- is above 26 mEq/L
PaCO2 is normal

Question 3

Respiratory Acidosis 
(Hypoventilation- retaining CO2)

Answer 3

pH is below 7.35
PaCO2 is above 45 mmHg
HCO3- is normal

Question 4

Respiratory Alkalosis (hyperventilation, eliminating too much CO2)

Answer 4

pH is above 7.45
PaCO2 is below 35 mmHg
HCO3- is normal

Question 5

What is the compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis?

Answer 5

Respiratory Alkalosis: ⬆️ the RR (hyperventilation) to eliminate/lower the CO2 level to return pH back to normal.

Question 6

What is the compensatory mechanism for metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 6

Respiratory acidosis: ⬇️RR (hypoventilation) to retain/increase the CO2 level to return pH back to normal.

Question 7

What is the compensatory mechanism for respiratory acidosis?

Answer 7

Metabolic Alkalosis: kidneys ⬆️ reabsorption of HCO3- to return pH back to normal

Question 8

What is the compensatory mechanism for respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 8

Metabolic acidosis: kidneys ⬆️ excretion of HCO3- to return pH back to normal.