Acid base physiology

Question 1

Metabolic acidosis

Answer 1

Low pH
low PCO2
LOW LOW bicarb

Compensatory hyperventilation (immediate)

Question 2

Metabolic alkalosis

Answer 2

high pH
high PCO2
HIGH HIGH bicarb

Compensatory hypoventilation (immediate)

Question 3

Respiratory acidosis

Answer 3

low pH
HIGH HIGH PCO2
high bicarb

Compensatory:
increased renal bicarb reabsorption (delayed)

Question 4

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 4

high pH
LOW LOW PCO2
low bicarb

Compensatory:
decreased renal bicarb reabsorption (delayed)

Question 5

Henderson-Hasselback

Answer 5

pH = 6.1 + log [bicarb]/(0.03*PCO2)

Question 6

Winter’s formula

Answer 6

PCO2 = 1.5 (bicarb) + 8 +/- 2

Only used for metabolic acidosis