Acid Base Values Exam 1

Question 1

units of pCO2

Answer 1

mmHg

Question 2

units of HCO3

Answer 2

mEq/L

Question 3

units of total CO2

Answer 3

mEq/L

Question 4

units of base excess

Answer 4

mEq/L (?)

Question 5

Which equation defines the relationship between pH, pCO2 and bicarbonate?

Answer 5

Henderson Hasselbalch

pH = 6.1 + log( HCO3 / (pCO2 x 0.03))

Question 6

HCO3 stays the same. Associate rate of breathing with pCO2 and pH

Answer 6

• hyperventilate = pCO2 decreases = pH increases = respiratory alkalosis
• hold your breath = pCO2 increases = pH decreases = respiratory acidosis

Question 7

pCO2 stays the same. Associate HCO3 level to pH

Answer 7

• decreased HCO3 = pH decreases = metabolic acidosis

- increased HCO3 = pH increases = metabolic alkalosis

Question 8

What can cause low HCO3?

Answer 8

• lactate knocks down bicarb

- hypoperfusion can cause this

Question 9

What is base excess?

Answer 9

• tells you how far from normal you are (normal = 23)
• BE of -3 => bicarb = 20
• BE of 3 => bicarb = 26

Question 10

associate base excess values with metabolic assessment

Answer 10

• Below normal (-base excess)=metabolic acidosis.

- Above normal(+ base excess)=metabolic alkalosis

Question 11

Describe the impact of salicylate on blood gases.

Answer 11

pH is within normal values but the HCO3 indicate metabolic acidosis and pCO2 indicate resp alkalosis (HCO3 and pCO2 are opposites essentially)