Acid/Base Balance

Question 1

What is the normal PH of blood?

Answer 1

7.4

Question 2

Name the three main buffering types that regulate PH.

Answer 2

1. Intracellular + extracellular buffers
2. Lungs eliminating CO2
3. H+ elimination

Question 3

Name the most important buffer in the body.

Answer 3

Carbonic acid/bicarbonate buffer

Question 4

Describe respiratory acidosis.

Answer 4

Hypoventilation > increased PaCO2 > increased carbonic acid > increased H+ in blood

Question 5

Describe respiratory alkalosis.

Answer 5

Hyperventilation > decreased PaCO2 > decreased carbonic acid > decreased H+ in blood

Question 6

Give the Henderson-Hasselbach equation.

Answer 6

pH=6.1* + log10([HCO3-
]/[0.03*PCO2])

• = the dissociation constant for the bicarbonate buffer system