Acid-Base Imbalance Flashcards
How do we test for acid-base imbalance?
ABGs
What is alkalosis?
A pH greater than 7.45
What is acidosis?
A pH less than 7.35
What are the four types of acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic acidosis/alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis/acidosis
What is H2CO3? Does it stay in the body for long
It is a volatile acid that is immediately converted into C02 by the lungs
What is the difference between respiratory acidosis/alkalosis and metabolic acidosis/alkalosis?
Metabolic: involves fixed acids such as lactic acid
Respiratory: involves volatile acid
What is respiratory imbalance?
C02 elimination problem.
In respiratory imbalance what does impaired ventilation result in?
Increased levels of pC02 which leads to a decrease in pH causing respiratory acidosis
In respiratory imbalance what results from excess C02 elimination?
A decrease in pC02 lead in to an increased pH and respiratory alkalosis
What levels are increased or decreased in metabolic acidosis?
Increased fixed acid (H+) or decreased base (HC03)
Why is pH a critical variable?
Proteins can only function within a narrow pH range, they can become denatured and then loss of function occurs
What levels are increased or decreased in metabolic alkalosis?
Increased base (HC03) or decreased H+ ions
How do the kidneys compensate for alkalosis?
Reabsorption of HC03
Which body systems compensate for eachother and by compensation what results?
Lungs compensate for kidney and vice versa, normalized pH occurs
Tx for acid-base imbalance?
PO and IV solution to normalize pH, but need to treat underlying problem causing acidosis or alkalosis
