Acid-base balance - Resp Acidosis & Alkalosis

Question 1

describe what compensation of acid-base balance is

Answer 1

this is when the pH is restored irrespective of what happens to [HCO3] and pCO2

Question 2

describe what correction of acid-base balance is

Answer 2

this is when pH is restored and [HCO3] and pCO2 are normal

Question 3

what is the definition of alkalosis and acidosis

Answer 3

alkalosis = pH > 7.45
acidosis = pH < 7.35

Question 4

what is the immediate response to any pH change, and why does this not work long term

Answer 4

buffering, but buffer stores quickly depleted

Question 5

describe the mechanism of respiratory acidosis

Answer 5

retention of CO2 by the body, usually due to lung problem allowing CO2 to build up in blood, leading to increased H+

Question 6

describe the effect of CO2 retention(increased pCO2) due to respiratory acidosis on the H+ secretion at the tubules

Answer 6

results in increased stimulation of H+ secretion

Question 7

describe the renal compensation of increased pCO2, seen in respiratory acidosis

Answer 7

H+ secretion in tubules drives HCO3 reabsorption, so [HCO3] increases and acid is excreted by the kidneys(in form of titratable acid and NH4), lowering pH

Question 8

what is needed for correction in respiratory acidosis

Answer 8

lowering of pCO2 by restoration of normal ventilation

kidneys can only compensate not correct

Question 9

describe why the renal compensation of respiratory acidosis is not a correction

Answer 9

because although pH is restored, the [HCO3] is higher than normal so correction has not been achieved

Question 10

describe the mechanism of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 10

excessive removal of CO2 from the body

Question 11

what is the effect of respiratory acidosis on [H+] and [HCO3]

Answer 11

results in a rise in both

Question 12

what is the effect of respiratory alkalosis on [H+] and [HCO3]

Answer 12

results in a fall in both

Question 13

describe the effect of decreased pCO2 on the H+ secretion in the kidney tubules

Answer 13

results in reduced H+ secretion into the tubule

Question 14

describe the renal compensation of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 14

reduced H+ secretion, results in decreased HCO3 reabsorption, and HCO3 is excreted, no acid(NH4 or titratable acid) is lost, and [HCO3] decreases

Question 15

describe what is needed for correction of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 15

restoration of normal ventilation

Question 16

describe why renal compensation of respiratory alkalosis is not correction

Answer 16

because although pH is normal, the [HCO3] is low and so this is not correction