Acid base balance Flashcards
What is an acidosis?
A process causing an increase in H+ ions
What is an alkalosis?
A process causing a decrease in H+ ions
What is acidaemia?
A increase in H+ ions
What is alkalaemia
A decrease in H+ ions
What is a respiratory acidosis?
An increase in H+ ions due to increased carbon dioxide
What is respiratory alkalosis?
A decrease in H+ ions due to a decrease in carbon dioxide
What is a metabolic acidosis?
An increase in H+ ions due to a decrease in bicarbonate ions
What is a metabolic alkalosis?
A decrease in H+ ions due to an increase in bicarbonate ions
What is respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis?
Increase in respiratory rate to blow off more carbon dioxide
What is metabolic compensation for respiratory acidosis?
An increase in bicarbonate ions and excretion of H+ ions via the kidneys (takes time)
What is the respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis?
Hypoventelation to try to retain carbon dioxide
What causes respiratory acidosis?
Choking, bronchopneumonia, COPD
Anything that will impair gas exchange or ventelation
What causes respiratory alkalosis?
Anxiety, shock, raised intracranial pressure
Anything that leads to hyperventilation
What causes metabolic acidosis?
Renal failure (impaired H+ ion excretion) Diabetic ketoacidosis Lactic acidosis Circulatory shock
What causes metabolic alkalosis?
Vomiting/diarrhoea
Potassium deficiency
