Topic 2 The Respiratory System: Metabolic vs Respiratory Acidosis/Alkalosis

Question 1

• Make sure to know the difference between respiratory alkalosis and acidosis
• Neither of these are due to breathing issues
• An increase in H+ or CO2 will cause an increase in breathing rate. High blood O2 partial pressure would cause a decrease in breathing rate.

Answer 1

Note

Question 2

• Results from inadequate ventilation

- We don’t clear enough CO2 and it builds up, so more H+ is formed lowering pH

Answer 2

1. Respiratory Acidosis

Question 3

• Results from breathing too rapidly (hyperventilation)

- We are losing CO2 too quickly, so H+ and HCO3- start combining to form more CO2, and the pH begins rising

Answer 3

2. Respiratory Alkalosis