Electrolyte & Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
What are 2 effects of electrolyte movement? (2)
- Alters blood volume and blood pressure
2. May severely impair the activity of irritable cells like nerve and muscle cells
Define: aldosterone
Hormone that helps to regulate blood composition and blood volume by acting on the kidney
Define: electrolytes
Charged particles (ions) that conduct an electrical current in an aqueous solution
Where is aldosterone produced?
Produced in the adrenal cortex
What is the function of aldosterone specifically?
Major factor regulating sodium ion content of the ECF and in the process, helps regulate the concentration of other ions
What happens to the blood when there’s too little sodium in it? (3)
- The blood becomes too dilute
- Water leaves the bloodstream and flows out into the tissue space
- Results in edema and possibly the shutdown of the circulatory system
How do the sodium ions move when aldosterone levels are high?
Most of the remaining sodium ions are actively reabsorbed in the distal convoluted tubules and collecting ducts
Define: Addison’s disease (hypoaldosteronism)
Condition in which one excretes large amounts of urine and thus, loses tremendous of salt and water in the process
Define: polyuria
Excessive or abnormally large production or passage of urine (more than 2.5-3L over 24hrs)
What pH range must blood be within in order for the cells of the body to function properly?
Between pH 7.35-7.45
What pH falls under alkalosis?
Arterial blood with above pH 7.45
What pH falls under acidosis?
Arterial blood with below pH 7.35
What does pH 7.35 (acidosis) represent in terms of hydrogen ion concentration?
pH of 7.35 represents a higher than optimal hydrogen ion concentration for the functioning of most body cells
What is physiological acidosis?
Any arterial pH between 7.35 and 7.0
Define: blood buffers
One or two molecule systems that act to prevent dramatic changes in hydrogen ion (H+ or hydronium) concentration when acids or bases are added
