acid-base balance

Question 1

acid-base balance

Answer 1

keeping pH between 7.35-7.45

Question 2

importance of maintaining this balance

Answer 2

maintain homeostasis; good cellular function, good electrolyte balance, and good enzyme activity

Question 3

acidosis

Answer 3

loss of bicarbonate; pH of 7.35 or lower

Question 4

alkalosis

Answer 4

overabundance of bicarbonate; pH level of 7.45 or higher

Question 5

pH changes that occur with metabolic acidosis

Answer 5

decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3); increased production and retention of acidic compounds

example: kidney failure, pyometra, diabetes, diarrhea

treatment: sodium bicarbonate, LRS, normosol R, plasmalyte 146, treat underlying condition

Question 6

pH changes that occur with respiratory acidosis

Answer 6

increase in carbonic acid; increased CO2 retention

example: disruption in normal lung function - pneumothorax

treatment: (remove CO2) IPPV, reduce anesthetic level, reduce surgery time, treat primary lung disease if indicated

Question 7

pH changes that occur with metabolic alkalosis

Answer 7

increase in bicarbonate (HCO3)

example: vomiting, iatrogenic (too much bicarbonate administered)

treatment: correct underlying cause, give NaCl (fluids)

Question 8

pH changes that occur with respiratory alkalosis

Answer 8

decrease in carbonic acid

example: hyperventilation (pain, fever, excitement, toxemia, IPPV)

treatment: correct underlying cause of hyperventilation

Question 9

3 methods for regulating acid-base balance

Answer 9

1. buffering - quick acting (H+ acceptor/donator)
2. lungs - moderately quick acting (retaining and excreting CO2)
3. kidneys - slow acting (retaining and excreting HCO3)

Question 10

parameters of blood gas analysis

Answer 10

◦ pH
◦ PaCO2 – partial pressure of CO2 dissolved in arterial blood
◦ PaO2 – partial pressure of O2 dissolved in arterial blood
◦ HCO3- - Bicarbonate in blood
◦ BE – Base excess (or deficit). The amount of base that needs to be added or subtracted in order to normalize the pH when PaCO2 is normal

Question 11

PaCO2

Answer 11

partial pressure of CO2 in the arterial blood; indicates effectiveness of ventilation

increased CO2- respiratory acidosis

decreased CO2- respiratory alkalosis

Question 12

PaO2

Answer 12

partial pressure of O2 in arterial blood; indicates the body’s ability to pick up O2

Question 13

SaO2

Answer 13

percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen

Question 14

SpO2

Answer 14

indirect measurement of (oxygen) hemoglobin carrying oxygen