Acid/Base Balance

Question 1

4 components of blood gas of interest:

Answer 1

PaO2
PaCO2
pHa
HCO3

Question 2

Acidotic pH

Alkalotic pH

Answer 2

<7.35
>7.45
Normal 7.40

Question 3

HCO3 and pH relationship

Answer 3

Direct correlation.

Question 4

What mechanisms can affect pHa? (4)

Answer 4

Kidneys, which regulate HCO3 levels.
GI secretions of HCO3 or H+. Can be lost with vomiting/diarrhea.
Ingestion of antacids.
Metabolic problems (too much, lactic acid, ketoacids, etc.)

Question 5

Changes in bicarbonate (HCO3) cause:

Answer 5

Metabolic disturbances

Question 6

Gas equation

Answer 6

CO2 + H20 –> H2CO3 –> H+ + HCO3

Question 7

CO2 and pHa relationship

Answer 7

Inverse correlation.

Question 8

Changes in CO2 cause:

Answer 8

Respiratory disturbances

Question 9

Metabolic acidosis is:

Answer 9

Decrease in HCO3, causing a decrease in pHa.

Question 10

Metabolic alkalosis is:

Answer 10

Increase in HCO3, causing an increase in pHa.

Question 11

Respiratory acidosis is:

Answer 11

Increase in CO2 , causing a decrease in pH.

Question 12

Respiratory alkalosis is:

Answer 12

Decrease in CO2, causing an increase in pH.