Acid-Base imbalances

Question 1

Dfntn. Cs. Smptms. Trtmnt.

Metabolic Acidosis

Answer 1

Definition: A condition where there is too much acid in the body due to an increase in acid production or a decrease in bicarbonate.
Causes: Kidney disease, diabetes (ketoacidosis), severe diarrhea, poisoning (e.g., methanol or salicylate poisoning).
Symptoms: Rapid breathing, confusion, fatigue, headache.
Treatment: Treat underlying causes, bicarbonate supplements if bicarbonate levels are very low.

Question 2

Dfntn. Cs. Smptms. Trtmnt.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Answer 2

Definition: A condition characterized by a decrease in the acidity of the body due to an increase in bicarbonate or a loss of body acids.
Causes: Excessive vomiting, dehydration, diuretic use, antacid overuse.
Symptoms: Confusion, muscle twitching, nausea, vomiting, hand tremor.
Treatment: Address underlying causes, restore fluid and electrolyte balance.

Question 3

Dfntn. Cs. Smptms. Trtmnt.

Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 3

Definition: A state where the lungs cannot remove enough of the carbon dioxide produced by the body, leading to an increase in blood acidity.
Causes: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), severe asthma, sedative overdose, chest injuries.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath, confusion, sleepiness, lethargy.
Treatment: Improve ventilation, possible mechanical ventilation, treat underlying lung conditions.

Question 4

Dfntn. Cs. Smptms. Trtmnt.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer 4

Definition: A condition where there is too little carbon dioxide in the blood due to excessive breathing.
Causes: Hyperventilation (anxiety, pain, fear), fever, infections, high altitude.
Symptoms: Lightheadedness, numbness, confusion, dry mouth.
Treatment: Address underlying cause, breathe into a paper bag during acute episodes to increase carbon dioxide intake.

Question 5

Dfntn. Dgnstc Tls, Gnrl Trtmnt Prncpls, Prvntn Tps

General Approach to Acid-Base Imbalances

Answer 5

Definition: The process of identifying and correcting pH imbalances in the body.
Diagnostic Tools: Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, urine pH, electrolyte levels, anion gap calculation.
General Treatment Principles: Stabilize the patient, correct chemical imbalances, monitor closely with repeated ABG tests.
Prevention Tips: Regular health check-ups, control chronic conditions, stay hydrated, avoid excessive use of diuretics and antacids.

Question 6

What is a healthy blood ph level

Answer 6

7.35-7.45