acid base balance Flashcards
H+
hydrogen
HCO3-
bicarbonate
H2Co3
carbonate acid
high H+
acid
low H+
base (alkaline)
high pH
basis (alkaline)
low pH
acidic
bicarbonate(HCO3-) regulated by what organs
kidneys
bicarbonate (HCO3-) normal range
22-26 mEq/L
For serum pH to remain within the normal range, the ratio of bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) to carbonic acid (CO2) must be
20:1
Three control mechanisms of acid/base balance
- blood buffer system
- respiratory regulation
- kidney regulation
How does the blood buffer system work?
- circulates through body in pairs, acting as sponges
- one buffer takes away a H+ ion if fluid is too acidic
- one buffer gives a H+ ion if a buffer is too alkaline
Which organ is responsible for the carbon dioxide level in the blood and how is it controlled?
lungs, through the rate and depth of respirations
Deep, rapid breathing does what?
eliminates excess carbon dioxide which reduces extracellular fluid activity
Increased breathing =
decreased CO2 in blood which results in more alkaline blood
Shallow, slow breathing does what?
reduces loss of carbon dioxide, thereby increasing extracellular fluid activity
Decreased breathing =
increased CO2 in blood which results in more acidic blood
What is bicarbonate?
a major acid buffer
Which organs act as the metabolic regulators of pH?
kidneys
Excess acid is excreted by the kidneys in the form of
ammonia
How long does the compensatory action of the kidneys take?
2-3 days
Which serum pH levels result in death?
less than 6.8, greater than 7.8
What is acidiosis?
a condition in which the blood has too much acid (or too little base) resulting in a decrease in blood pH
-lower than 7.35
What is alkalosis?
a condition in which the blood has too much base ( or too little acid) resulting in an increase in blood pH
-higher than 7.45
normal ABG pH levels
7.35-7.45
normal ABG PaCO2 levels
35-45 mmHG
normal ABG HCO3- levels
22-26 mEq/L
normal ABG PaO2 levels
80-100 mmHg
Respiratory acidosis is caused primarily by lung or breathing disorders such as
- 5 disorders
- 4 acute
- emphysema/COPD -airway obstruction
- chronic bronchitis -PE
- severe pneumonia - chest injuries
- pulmonary edema -CNS depression due
- asthma opiate use
How does respiratory acidosis occur?
-when the respiratory system fails to to eliminate the appropriate amount of CO2 to maintain acid-base balance
