Concepts of Acid-Base Balance Key Terms

Question 1

acid-base balance

Answer 1

The maintenance of arterial blood pH between 7.35 and 7.45 through control of hydrogen ion production and elimination.

Question 2

acidosis

Answer 2

Arterial blood pH level below 7.35.

Question 3

acids

Answer 3

Substances that release hydrogen ions when dissolved in water (H2O) or body fluids, increasing the amount of free hydrogen ions in that solution.

Question 4

alkalosis

Answer 4

Arterial blood pH level above 7.45

Question 5

bases

Answer 5

substances that bind free hydrogen ions in solution and lower the amount of free hydrogen ions in solution.

Question 6

buffers

Answer 6

substances that when dissolved in fluid can react as either an acid (releasing a hydrogen ion) or a base (binding a hydrogen ion) depending on the pH of that fluid.

Question 7

hyperventilation

Answer 7

Rate and depth of breathing increased above normal.

Question 8

hypoventilation

Answer 8

rate and depth of breathing decreased below normal.

Question 9

Kussmaul respiration

Answer 9

A pattern of breathing associated with acidosis in which breaths are deep and rapid.