acid-base Flashcards
an acid that can be eliminated from the body as a gas
volatile acid
what does pH stand for?
power or parts of Hydrogen
what does pH measure?
the parts of Hydrogen in a fluid
what causes respiratory acidosis?
excess of dissolved carbonic acid (CO2)
what happens with an excess of carbonic acid (CO2)?
respiratory acidosis
what causes respiratory alkalosis?
carbonic acid (CO2) deficit (hyperventilation can cause this)
what happens when you have a deficit of carbonic acid (CO2)?
respiratory alkalosis
what happens with a deficit of bicarbonate?
metabolic acidosis
what causes metabolic acidosis?
a deficit of bicarbonate
what happens with an excess of bicarbonate?
metabolic alkalosis
what causes metabolic alkalosis?
an excess of bicarbonate
what is the ratio of carbonic acid to bicarbonate in the body?
1 : 20
what is the normal pH range of the body?
7.35 to 7.45
what three systems work together to maintain pH?
buffer systems
respiratory system
renal system
how do buffer systems work?
- prevent major changes in pH
- binds with H ions when excess acid is present
- release H ions if system is too basic
- act quickly
- three major systems
what are the three major buffer systems?
carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system
phosphate buffer system
protein buffer system
what test can you perform to monitor pH balance in the body?
ABG (arterial blood gases)
what is the primary change in metabolic disorders?
level of bicarbonate goes up or down
what is the primary change in respiratory disorders?
level of carbonic acid goes up or down
what is a normal serum bicarbonate level?
24 mEq/L
what is a normal serum carbonic acid level?
1.2 mEq/L
What does PaO2 indicate?
It is a measure of the pressure exerted by oxygen that is dissolved in the plasma
A PaO2 level of less than 80 mm/Hg
Hypoxemia
What does PaCO2 indicate?
Measure of the pressure exerted by dissolved carbon dioxide in the blood
Reflects the respiratory component of acid-base regulation
