Acid/base Review

Question 1

Normal PaCO2

Answer 1

35-45

Question 2

Normal HCO3

Answer 2

22-26

Question 3

Causes of respiratory acidosis

Answer 3

Hypoventilation

• CNS depression
• impaired respiratory fx(circumferential burn)
• PE
• airway obstruction
• Pneumothorax

Question 4

Reasons for respiratory alkalosis

Answer 4

Hyperventilation

• anxiety/fear/pain
• fever/sepsis/pregnancy
• respiratory stimulants

Question 5

Reasons for metabolic acidosis

Answer 5

Base deficit or excess acid

• DKA
• renal failure
• salicylate intoxication
• starvation
• shock/poor perfusion (lactic acid build up)
• sepsis
• anaerobic metabolism

Question 6

Causes of metabolic alkalosis

Answer 6

(Not common)
Excess base
-antacid ingestion 
-excess bicarbonate use
-lactate in dialysis 
Acid loss
-vomiting
-gastric suction 
-excess diuretics

Question 7

Normal pH

Answer 7

7.35-7.45