acid-base - Sheet1 Flashcards
What system helps balance acid-base in the body?
The bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system, respiratory system, and kidneys.
What does the bicarbonate-carbonic acid buffer system consist of?
HCO3⁻ (bicarbonate) and H2CO3 (carbonic acid).
How does the respiratory system regulate pH?
Exhaling CO2 increases pH; retaining CO2 decreases pH.
How do the kidneys regulate pH?
Retaining HCO3⁻ increases pH; excreting HCO3⁻ decreases pH.
What is the normal pH range for body fluids?
7.35 to 7.45.
What symptoms are associated with alkalosis?
Nervousness, hyperactivity, convulsions, and life-threatening dysrhythmias.
What symptoms are associated with acidosis?
Lethargy, confusion, and CNS depression.
What causes respiratory alkalosis?
Hyperventilation leading to decreased CO2.
What is the treatment for mild respiratory alkalosis?
No treatment needed.
What is the treatment for severe respiratory alkalosis?
Rebreathe CO2-laden expired breath (e.g., using 5% CO2).
What causes respiratory acidosis?
Retention of CO2 due to hypoventilation.
What is the treatment for respiratory acidosis?
Correct respiratory impairment and use sodium bicarbonate if severe.
What causes metabolic alkalosis?
Excessive loss of gastric acid or administration of alkalinizing salts.
What is the treatment for metabolic alkalosis?
Sodium chloride plus potassium chloride solution. Severe: Dilute HCl (central line) or ammonium chloride.
What causes metabolic acidosis?
Chronic renal failure, severe diarrhea, metabolic disorders, or poisoning (e.g., methanol).
What is the treatment for metabolic acidosis?
Correct the underlying cause or use alkalinizing salts (e.g., sodium bicarbonate) if severe.
What does RO-ME stand for in ABG interpretation?
Respiratory Opposite: pH ↑, PaCO2 ↓ (alkalosis); pH ↓, PaCO2 ↑ (acidosis). Metabolic Equal: pH ↑, HCO3 ↑ (alkalosis); pH ↓, HCO3 ↓ (acidosis).
What indicates compensated acid-base balance?
Normal pH with abnormal PaCO2 and HCO3.
What indicates partially compensated acid-base balance?
Abnormal pH with both PaCO2 and HCO3 abnormal.
What indicates uncompensated acid-base balance?
Abnormal pH with either PaCO2 or HCO3 abnormal.
