Acid Base Balance 1130

Question 1

What is the normal pH range of the body?

Answer 1

7.35-7.43

Question 2

A shift of _______ pH either way will typically result in death?

Answer 2

0.5

Question 3

How does HIGH pH affect the central nervous system?

Answer 3

High pH DEPRESSES central nervous system

Question 4

How does LOW pH affect the central nervous system?

Answer 4

Low pH will accelerate the central nervous system

Question 5

What are the three mechanisms that control pH in the body?

Answer 5

Chemical buffers, Respiratory system, Kidneys

Question 6

What will hyperventilation cause?

Answer 6

Increased pH (blood becomes more basic)

Question 7

What does hypoventilation cause?

Answer 7

Decreased pH (blood becomes more acidic)

Question 8

What are some causes of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 8

Shock, DKA, Renal failure, Diarrhea

Question 9

What are some causes of metabolic alkalosis?

Answer 9

Vomiting, Excessive antacid intake

Question 10

What are some causes of respiratory acidosis?

Answer 10

Inadequate respirations (for whatever reason)

Question 11

What are some causes of respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 11

Hyperventilation

Question 12

Why does shock cause metabolic acidosis?

Answer 12

Decreased blood supply to tissues results in not being able to adequately dispose of waste products

Question 13

What would you expect to find in a patient with COPD with regards to pH?

Answer 13

Acidosis due to inadequate respirations

Question 14

What would you expect to find in a patient with a pneumonia with regards to pH?

Answer 14

Respiratory acidosis due to inadequate respirations (less alveolar perfusion space)

Question 15

What is the patho of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 15

A decrease in serum bicarbonate levels

Question 16

What does bicarbonate do to pH?

Answer 16

Increases pH as it is basic

Question 17

What does carbonic acid do to pH?

Answer 17

Decreases pH as it is acidic

Question 18

DKA will usually result in what pH levels?

Answer 18

Low pH, acidosis

Question 19

What is a treatment for respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 19

NRB with no O2

Question 20

What is a treatment for respiratory acidosis?

Answer 20

Increased ventilations with O2

Question 21

How can the lungs affect the body’s pH?

Answer 21

The lungs blow off CO2 to help maintain pH levels (more respirations = less acid)

Question 22

Between acidosis and alkalosis, which state would you suspect to find a patient presenting with seizures? Why?

Answer 22

Alkalosis, increased pH causes CNS excitability

Question 23

How can we determine a patient’s pH in the field?

Answer 23

ETCO2 is the best indicator asides from patient presentation / Hx