Acid/Base imbalance

Question 1

Acidosis

Answer 1

excessive acidic state of the body

Question 2

Alkalosis

Answer 2

excessive alkaline state of the body

Question 3

Respiratory

Answer 3

change in PaCO2 levels

Question 4

Metabolic

Answer 4

change in HCO3 levels

Question 5

explain R.O.M.E

Answer 5

Respiratory= Opposite:
· pH is high, PCO2 is down (Alkalosis).
· pH is low, PCO2 is up (Acidosis).

Metabolic= Equal:
· pH is high, HCO3 is high (Alkalosis).
· pH is low, HCO3 is low (Acidosis).

Question 6

What causes respiratory acidosis? What compensates? Buffer?

Answer 6

increase in PaCO2 - pH is low

i.e.
not breathing enough, pH has gone down, CO2 goes up,
-chemoreceptors stimulated - increased respiratory rate

renal compensation: H+ secreation, HCO3 generation

Buffer systems accept H+ ions

Question 7

What causes respiratory alkalosis? What compensates? Buffers?

Answer 7

decrease in PaCO2, pH goes up

i.e.
hyperventilation
-pH goes up, CO2 goes down-
-buffer systems release H+ ions
-renal compensation: HCO3secreation, H+ generations
-inhibition of chemoreceptors, breathing rates goes down

Question 8

What causes Metabolic acidosis?

Answer 8

intense exercise, cancer, alcohol, kidney disease, heart failure, severe dehydration, ketoacidosis, diarrhea, lactic acid build up

• pH goes down, H+ goes up, HCO3 goes down
• Addition of H+ with bicarbonate, increased breathing rates
• buffer systems absorb H+, kidneys secrete some H+

Question 9

What causes Metabolic Alkalosis

Answer 9

• pH goes up, HCO3 goes up, H+ goes down
• Vomiting, eating antacids, constipation
• Buffer systems release H+, kidneys generate some H+
• Decreased respiratory rates to retain CO2
• more difficult for the body to compensate