ChemPath: Acid-Base Handling

Question 1

What is the normal range for H+ concentration?

Answer 1

35-45 mmol/L in ECF

Question 2

What equation links H+ concentration to pH?

Answer 2

pH = -log[H+]

Question 3

What are the three main physiological buffers?

Answer 3

• Bicarbonate
• Haemoglobin
• Phosphate

NOTE: also protein and bone

Question 4

What is the rate of production of H+ ions per day?

Answer 4

50 - 100 mmol/day

Question 5

Describe how the kidneys excrete H+ ions.

Answer 5

Bicarbonate is regenerated through the production of carbonic acid

Important as HCO3- is used up in ECF buffering of H+ –> providees short term buffer

Need to then get rid of this extra H+ to regenerate the HCO3- so it can buffer again

Question 6

Describe how H+ ions pass through the renal epithelial membrane.

Answer 6

H+ ions cannot pass through the membrane itself so a transport system is necessary (Na+/H+ exchange)

Question 7

What is the rate of production of carbon dioxide per day?

Answer 7

20,000-25,000 mmol/day

Question 8

Describe the respiratory control over carbon dioxide.

Answer 8

• Respiratory is controlled by chemoreceptors in the hypothalamic respiratory centre
• An increase in CO2 will stimulate an increase in ventilation which then brings down CO2 concentration

Question 9

What information is provided by ABGs?

Answer 9

• pO2
• pCO2
• pH

bicarbonate is not measure it is CALACULATED from H+ and pCO2

Question 10

What is the primary abnormality in metabolic acidosis? List three causes with examples.

Answer 10

Primary abnormality is increased H+ (with decreased bicarbonate)

Caused by:

• Increased H+ production (e.g. DKA)
• Decreased H+ excretion (e.g. renal tubular acidosis)
• Bicarbonate loss (e.g. intestinal fistula)

Question 11

What is the primary abnormality in respiratory acidosis? List three causes with examples.

Answer 11

Primary abnormality is increased CO2 (therefore, increased H+) and a slight increase in bicarbonate

Caused by:

• Decreased ventilation
• Poor lung perfusion
• Impaired gas exchange
  e.g. Pulmonary emboli, COPD, pneumothorax

NOTE: metabolic compensation is slower than respiratory compensation, so bicarbonate takes time to rise –> if acute e.g. RTA bicrb will still be normal

Question 12

What is the primary abnormality in metabolic alkalosis? List three causes.

Answer 12

Primary abnormality is decreased H+ (with increased bicarbonate)

Caused by:

• H+ loss (e.g. pyloric stenosis)
• Hypokalaemia
• Ingestion of bicarbonate

Some increase in pCO2 –> very limited increase as would have to decrease ventilation

Question 13

What is the primary abnormality in respiratory alkalosis? List three causes.

Answer 13

Primary abnormality is reduced CO2

If prolonged, this can lead to reduced renal H+ excretion and reduced bicarbonate generation

Can be caused by hyperventilation due to:

• Voluntary - anxiety
• Artificial ventilation - intubated, CPAP
• Stimulation of the respiratory centre (e.g. drugs)

Question 14

What derangement of acid-base balance would be caused by pyloric stenosis?

What are the following effects of this

Answer 14

Metabolic alkalosis due to loss of H+ from profuse vomiting
also hypochloremia due to Cl- loss from stomach

Leads to dehydration –> raised urea, creatinine
Dehydration also timulates RAAS –> hypokalemia

Question 15

Which condition classically causes a mixed respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis?

Answer 15

• Aspirin overdose
• Aspirin stimulates ventilation and reduces renal excretion of H+