Exam 4 (Acid-Base Balance) Flashcards
pH Scale
Relation to H+ concentration
0-7: Acidic
7: Neutral
7-14: Base/Alkaline
H+ Concentration:
*low H = high pH
*high H = low pH
Acid
-Strong vs Weak
Acid: dissociates to release H+
HCl -> H+ + Cl-
Strong Acid: dissociates completely in solution
Weak Acid: does not dissociate completely; fewer H+ release
Base
-Strong vs Weak
Base: removes H+ from solution
NaOH -> Na+ + OH-
Strong Base: dissociates completely in solution
Weak Base: does not dissociate completely; fewer H+ release
Types of Acids
- Volatile Acids: move from liquid to gas (ex. carbonic acid)
- Fixed Acids: stay in solution
- Organic Acids: contain C-H
Normal pH Range of Blood
7.35-7.45
H+ Gains & Losses
Gains: food & drinks by absorption in GI tract & as products from cellular metabolism
Losses: excretion in kidneys & by exhaling in lungs
Buffer System
first response but temporary solution
Protein Buffer System
can buffer ECF & ICF; only free or terminal amino acids can buffer; hemoglobin is a buffer
Phosphate Buffer System
major ICF buffer
Carbonic-Acid Bicarbonate Buffer System
CO2 + H2O <-> H2CO3 <-> H+ + HCO3-
*high CO2 favors the forward reaction and high H+ favors the reverse reaction
Factor Affecting pH
pCO2
high pCO2 = high H+ = low pH
low pCO2 = low H+ = high pH
Acute Phase
pH moves rapidly out of normal range
Partial Compensation
compensatory mechanisms are working but are unable to restore pH balance
Complete Compensation
compensatory mechanisms adjust pH back to normal, but they have to continue working to keep it there
Respiratory Acidosis: Causes & Compensation !!!
Causes: hypoventilation, too much CO2,
respiratory problems like COPD
Respiratory Compensation: increase respiratory rate (to get rid
of CO2
Metabolic Acidosis: Causes & Compensation !!!
Causes: increased acid production by muscles, or bicarbonate loss due to diarrhea
Respiratory compensation: increase the respiratory rate (get
rid of CO2)
Renal compensation: excrete H+ and conserve bicarbonate
Respiratory Alkalosis: Causes & Compensation !!!
Causes: low CO2, hyperventilation due to pain, anxiety, etc
Respiratory compensation: lower respiratory rate solves the
problem, no renal compensation necessary
Metabolic Alkalosis: Causes & Compensation !!!
Causes: increased bicarbonate levels, vomiting
Respiratory compensation: lower the respiratory rate
Renal compensation: excrete bicarbonate and conserve H+
