Acid Base Balance Flashcards
Metabolic Acidosis and Anion Gap
Metabolic acidosis accompanied by a higher than normal anion gap means that the body has accumulated an unusual fixed acid.
A metabolic acidosis accompanied by a normal anion gap means that the body has lost a greater than normal amount of base
What is the hydrogen ion concentration determined by?
The ratio of carbonic acid to bicarbonate in the extracellular fluid
What are some important sources of acids in the body?
HCl (stomach acid), cellular metabolism, CO2 in plasma- generates H+, skeletal muscle (lactic acid- anaerobic respiration), and fat breakdown (glycogen is broken down into glucose and produces acidic ketones).
What is one important base in the body and where is the majority found?
Bicarbonate (HCO3) which has a huge supply found in the intestine. it is produced by the pancreas to neutralize stomach acid.
Why does pH matter and what is the main element does it affect the most?
The proteins in our body (enzymes and hemoglobin included) are very sensitive to pH changes. A very small change can leave them non-functional. Our body needs to maintain homeostasis.
What are the 3 chemical buffer systems in the body?
Protein, Phosphate, and Carbonic Acid/Bicarbonate buffer system.
What are the 3 primary ways to control pH?
Chemical buffers, respiration, and kidneys (when respiration isn’t enough).
Where is the most water be found in our body?
Intracellular Fluid Compartment (ICF) which is inside the trillions of cells in our body. About 2/3 of all body water is found in the ICF.
Where are receptors located which can detect rising CO2 levels and/or rising H+ concentrations?
Medulla oblongata (center of respiratory measures)
How can the renal response to pH changes help?
If too acidic, the distal convoluted tubule in the nephron can secrete H+ and reabsorb bicarb while if too basic, it can secrete bicarb into the urine.
What are the metabolic acidosis symptoms?
Severe diarrhea wherein acid is in intestinal gastric juice and so you lose too much bicarbonate through stool. Another is the kidneys fail to get rid of acid.
What is a serious life-threatening condition of diabetes that occurs when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones?
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
What are buffers?
It minimizes the changes in pH when acid or base is added to a solution. Hemoglobin and proteins are found intracellularly. Extracellularly we have bicarbonate, phosphate, and ammonia.
Where is most water in the body stored?
It is in the intracellular (in the cells).
What is osmotic pressure vs oncotic pressure?
Osmotic pressure is the pressure at the cell membrane while oncotic pressure is the pressure at the capillary membrane.
What are the major electrolytes?
Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate.
What are the extracellular electrolytes?
Sodium, calcium, chloride, bicarbonate (SCCB)
What are the intracellular electrolytes?
Potassium, magnesium, and phosphate (PMP)
What are your cations (more acidic, positive charged electrolytes)?
Sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium
What are your anions (more basic and negative charged electrolytes)?
Chloride, CO2 (bicarb), phosphorus, sulfate, lactate, and protein.
What electrolyte regulates cell electroconductivity and is good for blood clotting (with vitamin K)?
Calcium
What is the body’s base?
Sodium
What is the major cation of extracellular fluid?
Sodium
What is the job of sodium and chloride?
It regulates ECF and plasma volume, nerve impulses, and muscle contraction
What hormone balances sodium?
Aldosterone from the adrenal cortex which is stimulated by ACTH that comes from anterior pituitary.
What is the body’s acid?
Potassium
What is the major cation of intracellular fluid?
Potassium
What does potassium help you stay protected from?
High blood pressure
What is the job of potassium?
Water balance osmotic equilibrium, acid-base balance, neuromuscular activity, and cell growth.
What electrolyte is a major buffer?
Phosphorus
What is the role of phosphorus?
Energy metabolism of ATP (in phosphorylation reactions).
How to determine acid-base balance?
Hydrogens
What are your intracellular buffers?
Proteins and PO4
What are your extracellular buffers?
Bicarbonate and carbonic acid
What could cause respiratory acidosis and what conditions/diseases can cause it?
It is caused by an increased CO2. The conditions are decreased lung surface area, such as emphysema (damaged air sacs making it hard to breath), obstructive lung disease (asthma), and neuromuscular disease in which respiratory function is impaired (MS, ALS).
What happens with respiratory alkalosis and what causes it?
It causes losing too much CO2 and water from excessive breathing which decreases carbonic acid. The conditions: Early sepsis (blood poisoning), anxiety reactions, can be caused from intense exercise.
How do you get metabolic acidosis and what conditions are associated with it?
Cause: Decreased pH (increased H+) or decreased bicarb from extracellular fluid. Conditions: Diarrhea (loss water and bicarb), uremia (increased NH4), ketoacidosis from diabetes mellitus (type 1), high fat-low carb diet, and drugs (diuretics).