Physiology 8 Flashcards
What are the normal figures for a normal Acid-Base balance
Plasma pH close to 7.4 (7.35-7.45)
HCO3- close to 25 mmol/L (23-37(
Arterial pCO2 close to 40mmHg (35-45)
What is the main aim if we have a disruption of the normal acid-base
Restore pH asap through compensation
What is compensation of an AB disturbance
the restoration of pH irrespective of what happens to HCO3 and pCO2
What is correction of an AB disturbance
restoration of pH and HCO3 and pCO2 to normal
I.e. all components back to normal
What are the two subdivisions of disturbances of respiratory origin
respiratory acidosis (plasma pH falls) Respiratory alkalosis (plasma pH rises)
What are the two subdivision of non-respiratory origin
Metabolic acidosis (plasma pH falls) Metabolic alkalosis (plasma pH rises
What is the most important buffer
CO2 buffer system
What is a blood buffer
Haemoglobin - oxygenated blood has a greater affinity for ions compared to deoxygenated blood
How are buffers all present in the extracellular fluid
Due to the presence of bicarbonate ions
How quick is the response of the buffer stores
Very quick
What can measure the pH and pCO2 of the blood
A blood gas analyser
WE can then calculate the concentration of HCO3 ions
What is respiratory acidosis characterised by
retention of CO2 by the body
What are some causes of respiratory acidosis
Chronic bronchitis Chronic emphysema airway restriction (bronchial asthma, tumour) Chest injuries respiratory depression
What does a respiratory acidosis result in biochemically
An increase in both the plasma concentrations of both H+ and Bicarb
When both the concentrations of H+ and Bicarb increase, why does it become acidotic
There are many many more H+ ions than bicarb ions (nano rather than milli)
small changes in pH reflect higher changes in the H ion concentrations
If a patient has an uncompensated respiratory acidosis, what will the pH and the pCO2 be
Less than normal pH i.e. 45mmHg because CO2 is retained in the body
Can a buffer buffer itself
no
What is the cause of the respiratory acidosis and what compensates for it
caused by respiratory system
compensated by the renal system
Why can bicarb ions not mop up the excess H+ ions in respiratory acidosis
The bicarb is the underlying issue due to CO2 retention
How does the renal system compensate for respiratory acidosis
H+ secretion is stimulated
All filtered HCO3 is reabsorbed
H+ continues to be secretes and generates titratable acid (combine with phosphate ions) and NH4+
Acid is excreted and “new HCO3-“ is added to the blood