Acid - Base Balance

Question 1

What ph is blood normally

Answer 1

7.4

Question 2

What are the ph ranges for acidosis and alkalosis?

Answer 2

Below 7.35 is acidosis

Above 7.45 is alkalosis

Question 3

What symptoms do we see in acidosis?

Answer 3

We see a depression of CNS synaptic transmission. Disorientation or coma can occur. Death soon follows.

Question 4

What symptoms do we see in alkalosis?

Answer 4

We see hyperexcitability in CNS and PNS with extreme nervousness and spasm of muscle.

Death can result if untreated

Question 5

What can lower blood ph?

Answer 5

Ketone bodies, Co2, lactic acid, etc

Question 6

What three main mechanisms help maintain pH?

Answer 6

Buffers, Co2 removal from lungs, H+ removal by the kidneys.

Question 7

How do buffers help regulate pH and pOH?

Answer 7

Buffers follow the formula

pH = pKa + Log([base]/[acid])

pH = concentration of H+ ions in the current solution
pKa = pH of the solution of acids and bases at equilibrium if the acids and bases are of equal concentration

When a strong acid enters a solution with a buffer, the H+ ion on the acid reacts with the conugate base of the weak acid.

When a strong base enters a solution with a buffer, the OH- ion on the base reacts with the conugate acid of the weak base.

Question 8

What is the principle intracellular buffer

Answer 8

Phosphate buffer

HO- Ion neutralization:
H2PO4-(aq) + OH-(aq) -> HPO4 2-(aq) + H20

H+ Ion neutralization:
HPO4 2-(aq) + H+(aq) -> H2PO4-(aq)

Question 9

What is the principle blood buffer?

Answer 9

Bicarbonate

CO2(aq) + OH-(aq) HCO3-(aq)

HCO3-(aq) + H+(aq) -> CO2(aq) + H2O

Question 10

Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer 10

pH > 7.45
Occurs when the body loses too much CO2 from the body

Can be caused by hyperventilating

The brain sends a signal to your body to breath slower and more shallowly. This will help reduce the amount of CO2 lost through breathing and will decrease the pH of the body.

Question 11

Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 11

pH <7.35
Occurs when the body can’t remove enough CO2 from the body.

Can be caused by holding your breath, or not breathing deeply enough, or excercise.

The body sends a signal to your brain to breath faster. to remove the CO2 faster from the body and help return it to homeostasis

Question 12

Metabolic Acidosis

Answer 12

pH < 7.35
This can occur from:
- A loss of HCO3- ions through kidney dysfunction or severe diarrhea. Laxative abuse as well.
- Accumulation of Ketone bodies (diabetes mellitus)
-Kidneys not removing H+ ions

Coma and death can occur

Question 13

Metabolic Alkalosis

Answer 13

pH > 7.45

This occurs when a loss of acids is seen. Repeated vomiting of gastric contents, or if you take too much antacid. The respiratory system will try to compensate through hypoventilation