Acid/Base Balance

Question 1

Carbonic Acid - Bicarbonate Buffer System

Answer 1

H + HC03 - H2C03 - C02 + H20

Cells release C02 which combines with H20 to create H2C03. This carbonic acid quickly dissociates into bicarbonate and H+ ions. The H+ ions are excreted through the kidneys, while the bicarbonate travels to the lungs to combine with H+ to create H2C03 which dissociates into C02 and H20. These are then exhaled through your breath, expelling C02.

Question 2

Base Excess

Answer 2

BE represents the amount of acid or base that must be added to a blood sample to restore its pH to 7.40 under standardized conditions (PCO₂ of 40 mmHg and temperature of 37°C).

Question 3

Golden Rules for ABG’s

Answer 3

• For every 10 mmhg change in C02, the pH will change 0.08 in the opposite direction
• For every 10 mEq in HC03, the pH will change 0.15 in the same direction
• For every change of 0.10 in pH, potassium will change by 0.6 in the opposite direction.

Question 4

GOLD MARK

Answer 4

G-Glycols
O-Oxoproline - Tylenol
L-L-Lactate
D-D-Lactate

M-Methanol
A-ASA
R-Renal Failure
K-Ketoacidosis