Module 8 - Acid-base imbalance

Question 1

pH for the human body is between …

Answer 1

7.35-7.45

Question 2

Few hydrogen ions means the pH is…

Answer 2

higher, alkaline

Question 3

More hydrogen ions means the pH is…

Answer 3

lower, acidic

Question 4

cell death occurs when the pH is above … or below…

Answer 4

7.8, 6.8

Question 5

normal cellular metabolism continously releases…

Answer 5

carbonic and metabolic acids that need to be excreted from the body to prevent too much acid build up

Question 6

The Buffer Mechanism

Answer 6

First line of defense against pH imbalance
A weak acid releases hydrogen ions when the fluid is too alkaline, and a base which takes up hydrogen ions when the fluid is too acidic
The four primary buffer pairs are; the bicarbonate buffers(most important), phosphate buffers, hemoglobin buffers, and protein buffers

Question 7

Respiratory mechanism

Answer 7

The second line of defense is the respiratory system
Controls CO2 in the bloodstream which effects the amount of H2O and H+

Question 8

Urinary Mechanisms

Answer 8

Third line of defense are the kidneys
Takes a few days to fully engage
The Kidney excrete large amount of metabolic acid and also excrete excess base
Final line of defense is acid-base balance
Kidneys generate supplementary bicarbonate for the buffer pair and eliminate excess H+ ions as compensatory mechanisms for acidosis
The renal tubule secretion of ammonia (NH3) causes acidification of the urine and decreases blood acid levels

Question 9

Metabolic acidosis

Answer 9

Decreased serum bicarbonate ion
Usually caused by shock, diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or diarrhea (loss of bicarbonate in stool)

Question 10

metabolic alkalosis

Answer 10

Increased serum bicarbonate ions or decreased serum hydrogen (H+) ions
Usually caused by severe vomiting (loss of stomach acid) or excessive antacid intake

Question 11

Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 11

Caused by increase in carbonic acid (H2CO3) from CO2 build up
Most common cause is hypoventilation, which results in excess CO2 in arterial blood leading to a rise in carbonic acid

Question 12

Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer 12

A deficit in H2CO3 due to blowing off CO2 (hyperventilation)

Question 13

The CO2 in the blood combines with H2O to produce

Answer 13

carbonic acid H2CO3 (this occurs during cellular metabolism)