Acid/Base pH Balance Flashcards
How much intracellular fluid is in the body?
60%
How much extracellular fluid is in the body?
40%
What can extracellular fluid be divided into?
Plasma and interstitial fluid
How much of extracellular fluid is plasma?
8%
How much of extracellular fluid is interstitial fluid?
32%
What is the blood pH range of NORMAL?
7.35-7.45
What is alkalosis pH range?
> 7.45
What is acidosis pH range?
<7.35
What are the homeostatic regulators?
(1) Chemical buffer system
(2) Respiratory mechanism
(3) Renal mechanism
Which homeostatic regulator is the most potent?
Renal mechanism
Describe the chemical buffer system
taking a weak acid + anion -> binds to free H+ to prevent pH from lowering
taking a weak base + cation -> binds with OH- to prevent pH from rising
What is the normal range pressure of CO2?
35-45 mmHg
What is the normal range of HCO3-?
22-26 mEq/L
What is the key equation?
CO2 + H2O <-> H2CO3 <-> H + HCO3-
When blood pH falls… (respiratory mechanism)
Respiratory rate increases (hyperventilation)
CO2 is eliminated from the blood
CO2 decrease in blood will decrease free H+
decrease in H+ will increase pH, which will make it more alkaline
When blood pH rises… (respiratory mechanism)
Respiratory rate decreases (hypoventilation)
CO2 is retained in the blood
This increases H+, which decreases pH, and makes it more acidic
What are the medical causes of respiratory acidosis?
Shallow breathing - Emphysema, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis
What are the medical causes of respiratory alkalosis?
Hyperventilation
What are the medical causes of metabolic acidosis?
Alcohol overdose, lactic acid buildup, extreme diarrhea
What are the medical causes of metabolic alkalosis?
Vomiting (losing stomach acid),
Antacid ingestion,
Constipation
