acid base disorders

Question 0

High pH leads to…

Answer 0

respiratory alkalosis, compensation is retain hydrogen ions and eliminate bicarbonate ions

metabolic alkalosis, compensation is CO2 retention ( hypoventilation)

Question 1

Low PH leads to….

Answer 1

Respiratory acidosis, compensation is renal bicarbonate retention and hydrogen elimination

Metabolic acidosis, compensation is respiratory CO2 elimination (hyperventilation)

Question 2

Metabolic acidosis

Answer 2

relative EXCESS of any acid BUT carbonic acid

• caused by INCREASE acid or DECREASED base or combo!
• results in decreased of normal 20:1 ration of bicarbonate to carbonic acid
• headache, abdominal pain, CNS depression

Question 3

Respiratory acidosis

Answer 3

LOW pH, HIGH pCO2

• Caused by excess carbonic acid
• increased renal excretion of metabolic acid ( only a respiratory function)
• excretion of Hydrogen ions and retention of bicarbonate, results in bicarbonate moving towards normal pH, needs several days to work
• dizziness, muscle weakness, low bp, headache

Question 4

metabolic alkalosis

Answer 4

DEFICIT in any acid EXCEPT for carbonic acid

• cause INCREASE bicarbonate, DECREASE acid, or a combo!
• nausea, vomiting, anxiety, seizure, dysrthymnia, confusion

Question 5

respiratory alkalosis

Answer 5

INCREASE pH, DECREASE pCO2

• decreased renal excretion of metabolic acid, retention of hydrogen by kidneys
• decrease bicarbonate concentration in kidneys to move towards normal 20:1 ratio

Question 6

mixed acid base imbalance

Answer 6

2 primary imbalance occur simultaneously such as a patient with pneumonia and diarrhea

• pH will reflect mechanism
• may occur if primary acidosis and primary alkalosis are involved such as head injury and kidney injury

Question 7

ABG shows increase PaCO2, increase bicarbonate, decrease pH

Answer 7

respiratory acidosis

Question 8

ABG shows low PaCO2, low bicarbonate, high pH

Answer 8

respiratory alkalosis

Question 9

ABG normal values

Answer 9

PaCO2 is 36 too 44 mmHG
HCO3 is 22 to 36 mEq/L
pH is 7.35 to 7.45
SpO2 is less than 90%
PaO2 is 80 to 100 for adults

Question 10

Respiratory vs. metabolic

Answer 10

if pH and Co2 are opposites, then it’s respiratory

if ph and HCO3 are the same, then it’s metabolic