Alkalosis/Acidosis Flashcards
An acid-base homeostatic mechanism involving the balance of carbonic acid (H2CO3), bicarbonate ion (HCO−
3), and carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to maintain pH in the blood and duodenum, among other tissues, to support proper metabolic function.[1] Catalyzed by carbonic anhydrase, carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which in turn rapidly dissociates to form a bicarbonate ion (HCO−
3 ) and a hydrogen ion (H+) as shown in the following reaction.
Bicarbonate Buffer System
A medical condition in which increased respiration elevates the blood pH beyond the normal range (7.35–7.45) with a concurrent reduction in arterial levels of carbon dioxide. This condition is one of the four basic categories of disruption of acid–base homeostasis.
Respiratory Alkalosis
The homeostatic regulation of the pH of the body’s extracellular fluid (ECF). The proper balance between the acids and bases (i.e. the pH) in the ECF is crucial for the normal physiology of the body, and cellular metabolism. The pH of the intracellular fluid and the extracellular fluid need to be maintained at a constant level.
Acid-base homeostasis
A medical emergency in which decreased hypoventilation increases the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood and decreases the blood’s pH. Carbon dioxide is produced continuously as the body’s cells respire, and this CO2 will accumulate rapidly if the lungs do not adequately expel it through alveolar ventilation. Alveolar hypoventilation thus leads to an increased PaCO2 (a condition called hypercapnia). The increase in PaCO2 in turn decreases the HCO3−/PaCO2 ratio and decreases pH.
Respiratory Acidosis
A disorder that occurs when the body produces excessive amounts of acid, such as ketoacids or lactic acid; the kidneys are unable to remove enough acid produced from normal metabolism; or the body loses too much bicarbonate ion (HCO−3).
If unchecked, metabolic acidosis can lead to acidemia, which is arterial blood pH lower than 7.37 due to increased production of hydrogen ions by the body or the loss and/or inability of the body to form bicarbonate (HCO−
3) in the kidney or gastrointestinal tract.[1] Its causes are diverse, and its consequences can be serious, including coma and death.
Metabolic Acidosis
A metabolic condition in which the pH of tissue is elevated beyond the normal range (7.35–7.45). This is the result of decreased hydrogen ion concentration, leading to increased bicarbonate, or alternatively a direct result of increased bicarbonate concentrations. The condition typically cannot last long if the kidneys are functioning properly.
Metabolic Alkalosis
