Acid base balance and buffers

Question 1

Normal pH range of blood

Answer 1

7.35-7.45

Question 2

Survival range of pH of blood

Answer 2

6.8-8.0

Question 3

Salts

Answer 3

-produced from a reaction between an acid and a base
-hydrogen from acid replaced by cation in the base
HCl + NaOH-> NaCl + H2O

Question 4

Buffer

Answer 4

-substance that prevents sharp changes in pH
-work by accepting or releasing H+ ions
eg. bicarbonate, phosphate, proteins (haemoglobin)

Question 5

3 systems that help maintain blood pH

Answer 5

-buffer system
-respiratory system
-renal system

Question 6

Respiratory acidosis (low pH)
what is it, signs, causes

Answer 6

Failure of ventilation so CO2 accumulates, decreasing pH
Signs
-hypoventilation
-rapid, shallow respirations
-decrease BP
-headache
-hyperkalemia- high K+ levels
-dizziness
-muscle weakness
Causes
-drug overdose
-anesthesia
-COPD- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
-pneumonia

Question 7

Respiratory alkalosis
what is it, signs, causes

Answer 7

pH is above 7.45
Signs
-seizures
-rapid breathing
-hyperventilation
-tachycardia
-confusion
-dizzy
-nausea
Causes
-hyperventilation- anxiety

Question 8

Metabolic acidosis
what is it, signs, causes

Answer 8

-
Signs
-headache
-decrease BP
-muscle twitching
-changes in LOC

Question 9

Bicarbonate buffer system

Answer 9

H2CO3 -> HCO3- + H+
pH decrease- more H2CO3 formed, equilibrium shifts left. H2CO3 breaks down to CO2 and H2O to be exhaled
pH increase- H+ react with OH- to form water, pushes equilibrium to the right

Question 9

Metabolic alkalosis
Signs

Answer 9

-tachycardia
-confusion
-nausea