Acid-base balance and imbalance

Question 1

Formula for pH

Answer 1

• log [H+]

Question 2

Acids are

Answer 2

Hydrogen donors

Question 3

Bases are

Answer 3

Hydrogen acceptors. This could be by releasing OH- which then combine with H+ to give water

Question 4

Strength of an acid

Answer 4

It’s tendency to dissociate, producing hydrogen ions in solution

Question 5

Strong acids

Answer 5

Dissociate completely in soln

Question 6

Weak acids

Answer 6

Dissociate partially in soln

Question 7

E.g of weak acids

Answer 7

Lactic and Carbonic

Question 8

E.g of strong acids

Answer 8

HCl and Sulphoric

Question 9

Dissociation constant (K)

Answer 9

Property by which acid strength is measured

Question 10

Formula for K given a reaction: HA ↔ H+ + A-

Answer 10

[ H+ ] [ A- ]
Ka = [ HA ]

Question 11

pH of blood

Answer 11

7.35-7.45

Question 12

pH of ECF

Answer 12

7.4

Question 13

pH during acidosis

Answer 13

below 7.35

Question 14

pH during alkalosis

Answer 14

above 7.4

Question 15

pH range for survival

Answer 15

6.8 - 8.0

Question 16

3 reasons for maintaining pH balance

Answer 16

Most enzymes function only within a certain pH range
Electrolytes are affected by the pH
pH affects hormones

Question 17

which is produced more in the body: acids or bases

Answer 17

acids

Question 18

4 processes that produce acids in the body

Answer 18

They are gotten from food

By metab of proteins, lipids and nucleic acids (produces phosphoric and sulphuric acids)

Incomplete metab of fats and carbs produce acids such as lactic acid

Complete metab (aerobic) produces co2 which could still affect pH levels

Question 19

co2 forms which acid in soln

Answer 19

carbonic

Question 20

two systems for controlling acids and bases

Answer 20

Chemical buffers
Physiological buffers

Question 21

E.g of chemical buffer system

Answer 21

Protein, Hemoglobin, bicarbonate and phosphate

Question 22

What is a buffer

Answer 22

A buffer a soln that resists drastic pH change. It is composed of a weak acid and it’s conjugate base.

Question 23

E.g of physiological buffer system

Answer 23

Renal system
Respiratory system

Question 24

volatile acids

Answer 24

ones that can be excreted as gas through the lungs

Question 25

fixed acid

Answer 25

ones that can’t be breathed off

Question 26

Hypercapnia

Answer 26

High co2 levels in the blood

Question 27

hypercapnia causes

Answer 27

Chronic:
Depression of brain respiratory center could be caused by head trauma or drugs
Paralysis of the chest muscles/respiratory muscles
Emphysema

Acute:
Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Pulmonary edema
Pneumothorax or pneumonia

Question 28

Compensation for respiratory acidosis

Answer 28

More H+ is excreted and more HCO3 - is generated by the kidneys, increasing blood HCO3 -

Question 29

Symptoms of respiratory acidosis

Answer 29

Shortness of breath
Restlessness
Lethargy
Coma
Disorientation
Skin warm and flushed due to vasodilation of blood vessels by excess co2

Question 30

Respiratory acidosis treatment

Answer 30

Restore ventilation
IV lactate solution
Treat underlying dysfunction or disease