Compensatory Responses to Acid/Base Imbalance - Reread

Question 1

Describe respiratory compensation of metabolic acidosis.

Answer 1

Low ECF pH sensed by peripheral chemoreceptors

This is counterbalanced, however, by central chemoreceptors which sense an increase in pH (CO₂ diffuses out of CSF because it is being blown off)

Low Arterial pH vs high CSF pH

(Never can fully correct problem)

Question 2

Describe renal compensation of metabolic acidosis

Answer 2

Kidneys ‘pick up the slack’ of lung compensation

Secrete extra hydrogen ions via ammonia/ium production

Takes 3-4 days

Question 3

In acidosis what happens to serum potassium levels? alkalosis?

Answer 3

Acidosis = Hyperkalemia

Alkalosis = Hypokalemia

lower ph= higher potassium