Resp Flashcards
What pH is considered Alkalaemia?
pH>7.45
What can Alkalaemia cause?
Reduces free calcium causing Ca2+ ions to come out of solution, increasing neuronal excitability
What symptoms can Alkalaemia cause?
Paraesthesia and Tetany
What pH is considered Acidaemia?
pH<7.35
What can Acidaemia cause?
Increases plasma K+ concentration giving a risk of Arrythmia.
Also increases H+ concentrations, denaturing enzymes
Which ratio determines pH?
CO2:HCO3
What does arterial pCO2 depend on?
Respiration, controlled by chemoreceptors
What can disturb arterial pCO2?
Respiratory disease
What does arterial HCO3 depend on?
Renal excretion
What can disturb arterial HCO3?
Metabolic and Renal diseases
What is the primary role of HCO3 ions?
To buffer acids produced as a by-product of metabolism
Why aren’t HCO3 ions depleted when maintaining arterial pH?
The Kidneys both recover and produce HCO3
How is HCO3 produced in the PCT?
From amino acids, adding NH4 to urine
How is HCO3 produced in the DCT?
From CO2 and H2O
How does Metabolic Acidosis present?
pH <7.35
Lowered PaCO2
Lowered HCO3
How does Metabolic Alkalosis present?
pH>7.45
Increased PaCO2
Increased HCO3
How does Respiratory Acidosis present?
pH<7.35
Increased PaCO2
Increased HCO3
How does Respiratory Alkalosis present?
pH>7.45
Reduced PaCO2
Reduced HCO3
What are some causes of a low PaO2?
Hypoventilation
Diffusion Impairment
Shunt
V/Q Mismatch
When can it be useful to calculate the Alveolar - Arterial gradient?
If there is a suspected respiratory problem.
How is Alveolar O2 calculated?
P(Room Air) - (PaCO2/0.8)
What is the normal value for the partial pressure of room air?
20kPa
What should the A-a gradient be in healthy individuals?
<2kPa in younger patients
<4kPa IN OLDER PATIENTS
What does an A-a gradient of >4kPa suggest?
Lung pathology