Topic 7.2 - Fluid, Electolytes, pH Flashcards
As [H+] increased, pH ….
Decreases
What is the normal pH of blood?
7.35-7.45
pH of blood depends on which two ions?
Bicarbonate (HCO3-) from kidneys
Partial Pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) from lungs
What is the normal bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio?
20:1
Which organ is responsible for converting buffering acids into bicarbonate and producing new ions to replace what is lost?
The kidneys
The kidneys have a large capacity to produce bicarbonate. What percent of nephrons must be lost before bicarbonate production is impacted?
70%
How does pH impact renal production of bicarbonate?
If pH drops (Acidosis), it stimulates the production of bicarbonate.
If pH rises (alkalosis), the kidneys produce less bicarbonate
How long does it take the renal compensatory response to change blood pH?
Several days - a full response can take up to a week
What is the normal plasma blood bicarbonate concentration?
22-28 mM
What are some possible causes of metabolic acidosis?
Decrease in Renal Bicarbonate Production
–> ARF, CFR, specific defects
Bicarbonate loss due to severe diarrhea
Increased Fixed Acid Production
–> Methanol, salicylate antifreeze poisoning
–> Formic acid, ketoacids, lactic acid due to hypoxemia
How does acidosis affect the body?
Brain function decreases of pH decreases
–> Disorientation and coma are main concerns
Adults cannot sustain a blood pH of what for more than a brief period of time before permanent brain damage occurs?
7.00
What is the anion gap? What is it usually?
Blood should be electroneutral, so the anion gap is difference between cations and anions in the blood. (N+ + K+) - (Cl- + HCO3-)
The difference is made up of unmeasured anions in the plasma, such as proteins, sulfate, phosphate.
Typically 6-16 mmol/L
Metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap is usually caused by what?
Bicarbonate loss
–> Gut loss (diarrhea)
–> Renal bicarbonate loss (compensated via rise in plasma chloride)
Metabolic acidosis with an increased anion gap is usually caused by what?
Addition of an Acid
–> Lactic acid
–> Keto acids
–> Toxic alcohols
–> Aspirin
Failure to secrete acid
–> AKI or CKD is associated with retention of phosphate, sulfate, and organic anions.
What is the normal pCO2 range?
35-45mm Hg
How does alkalosis affect the body?
Brain function increases as pH increases
–> As pH approaches 7.8 individual is at risk for seizures
–> Hypoxic brain damage is a risk associated with seizures
What kind of pH disturbance is this Pt experiencing?
pH - 7.16
pCO2 - 23 mmHg
HCO3 - 9 mm Hg
Primary metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis
You discover that your Pt has primary metabolic acidosis with compensatory respiratory alkalosis. What could cause this?
A history of severe diarrhea, or untreated DM.
What kind of pH disturbance is this Pt experiencing?
pH - 7.22
pCO2 - 80 mmHg
HCO3 - 32 mm Hg
Primary respiratory acidosis with compensatory metabolic alkalosis
What kind of pH disturbance is this Pt experiencing?
pH - 7.09
pCO2 - 80 mmHg
HCO3 - 24 mm Hg
Primary respiratory acidosis without compensation
Your patient has primary respiratory acidosis without compensation. Why might the kidneys not be compensating?
Respiratory disorder has recently developed and there has beeen insufficient time for a normal renal response
OR
The kidneys are abnormal and unable to compensate. Underlying metabolic acidosis.
How long should it take the respiratory system to compensate for metabolic alkalosis or acidosis?
Respiratory compensation should occur immediately.
What is the normal range for plasma [K]?
3.5 - 5.0 mM
Which kinds of cells regulate potassium and sodium balance in the body?
Principle cells in the kidney collecting ducts
How do kidney principle cells balance potassium and sodium?
Aldosterone binds to MR receptor
–> ENaC (sodium pump) inserts itself in cell membrane and begins pumping sodium from tubule lumen into cell.
ATPase pumps K into cell (which diffuses into tubule lumen) and Na back into blood
Why can low GFR cause hyperkalemia?
Flow rate or sodium coming into tubule is low in low GFR, so there is no trigger to input ENaC pumps, and the ATPase slows
What can be used to treat membrane potential issues caused by hyperkalemia?
Calcium increases the AP threshold, in combination with an elevated resting potential it can return the threshold-RMP difference to a relative normal.
How does hyperkalemia affect the RMP?
It increases the resting potential to closer to the AP threshold. If it increases too high, the cell will be unable to conduct APs.
Why is it so important to regulate [K]?
Because ECF [K] is a major determinant of membrane potential
–> Disruptions can cause muscle paralysis and cardiac arrhythmias
How does hypokalemia affect RMP?
Cells become hyperpolarized, which means they require more stimulus to initiate an AP.
What is a major concern in someone with hyperkalemia?
Cardiac arrest
–> ECG changes includes peaked T waves + widened QRS
What is a major concern in someone with hypokalemia?
Fatal arrythmia
–> Flattened T-wave + appearance of U-wave
Which hormones stimulate ATPases and increase K uptake?
Insulin and catecholamines