Acid Base Balance Flashcards
Explain the key components of this equation
Carbon dioxide - waste, think acid
HCO3 - excreted and reabsorbed by kidneys think alkali
What is compensation?
the process by which carbon dioxide or HCO3 are gained/lost to bring the body back to homeostasis
What is the difference between metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis?
metabolic - excess of H+ produced due to disease
respiratory - accumulation of carbon dioxide
How does the body compensate for metabolic acidosis?
Get rid of carbon dioxide
How does the body compensate for respiratory acidosis?
Reabsorbs bicarbonate
What is metabolic alkalosis?
Due to net loss of acid, the body hypoventilates to retain carbon dioxide
What is respiratory alkalosis?
Lack of acid due to loss of carbon dioxide as a result of hyperventilation.
How does the body respond to resipratory alkalosis?
Loses bicarbonate
What are the signs of metabolic acidosis?
- decreased pH
- decreased bicarbonate
if compensating decreased carbon dioxide
What are the signs of a respiratory acidosis?
- decreased pH
- increased carbon dioxide
if compensating increased bicarbonate
What are the signs of a metabolic alkalosis?
- increased pH
- increased bicarbonate
if compensating increased carbon dioxide
What are the signs of a respiratory alkalosis?
- increased pH
- decreased carbon dioxide
if compensating decreased bicarbonate
What do the changes in BE show?
BE < -2 metabolic acidosis
BE>2 metabolic alkalosis
