Module 2

Question 1

Acidemia

Answer 1

The pH of arterial blood is less than 7.4

Question 2

Acidosis

Answer 2

A systemic increase in hydrogen ion (H+) concentration or less of base

Question 3

Alkalemia

Answer 3

The pH of arterial blood is greater than 7.4

Question 4

Alkalosis

Answer 4

A systemic decrease in hydrogen ion (H+) concentration or excess of base

Question 5

Concentrations of non-carbonic acids increase or bicarbonate is lost from ECF or cannot be regenerated by the kidney

Answer 5

Metabolic acidosis

Question 6

When does metabolic acidosis occur?

Answer 6

Can occur quickly, as in lactic acidosis caused by poor perfusion or hypoxia, or slowly over an extended time, as in renal failure or diabetic ketoacidosis

Question 7

What happens to the buffers when someone has severe acidosis?

Answer 7

The buffers become depleted and cannot compensate, and the ratio of the concentrations of bicarbonate to carbonic acid decrease to less than 20:1

Question 8

How can you differentiate the type of acidosis a patient has?

Answer 8

Can be determined by examining the serum anion gap.

Question 9

What are the symptoms of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 9

• Early symptoms include headache, lethargy which progresses to coma in severe acidosis
• Other symptoms include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, & abdominal discomfort. Death can result in several prolonged cases preceded by dysrhythmias & hypotension
• The underlying condition must be diagnosed in order to correctly establish an effective treatment plan

Question 10

How is metabolic acidosis displayed?

Answer 10

By changes in the function of the neurologic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems

Question 11

Normal ABG (Arterial Blood Gas) figures

Answer 11

pH: 7.35-7.45
PO2: 80-100
PCO2: 35-45
HCO3: 22-28

Question 12

How does the respiratory system compensate for an increase in metabolic acids?

Answer 12

The respiratory’s system’s efforts to compensate for the increase in metabolic acids results in what is termed Kussmaul respirations (a form of hyperventilation), which are deep and rapid. This represents the body’s attempt to increase pH by expelling carbon dioxide, which decreased carbonic acid concentration

Question 13

Diffusion:

Answer 13

Mixing of two or more substances from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration
Perfume in a room

Question 14

Osmosis:

Answer 14

Diffusion of WATER through a membrane from a solution of low solute concentration (high water potential) to a solution with high solute concentration (low water potential)