Acid Base Balance

Question 1

What is the normal pH range for acid-base balance?

Answer 1

7.35 – 7.45

pH levels below 7.35 indicate acidosis, while levels above 7.45 indicate alkalosis.

Question 2

What does a pH level of < 7.35 indicate?

Answer 2

Acidosis

This indicates an increase in acidity in the blood.

Question 3

What does a pH level of > 7.45 indicate?

Answer 3

Alkalosis

This indicates a decrease in acidity in the blood.

Question 4

What is the normal range for PaCO₂ (Respiratory)?

Answer 4

35 – 45 mmHg

PaCO₂ levels below 35 mmHg indicate alkalosis, while levels above 45 mmHg indicate acidosis.

Question 5

What does a PaCO₂ level of < 35 mmHg indicate?

Answer 5

Alkalosis

This occurs due to hyperventilation, leading to CO₂ being blown off.

Question 6

What does a PaCO₂ level of > 45 mmHg indicate?

Answer 6

Acidosis

This occurs due to hypoventilation, leading to CO₂ retention.

Question 7

What is the normal range for HCO₃ (Metabolic)?

Answer 7

22 – 26 mEq/L

HCO₃ levels below 22 mEq/L indicate acidosis, while levels above 26 mEq/L indicate alkalosis.

Question 8

What does an HCO₃ level of < 22 mEq/L indicate?

Answer 8

Acidosis

This is often due to a loss of bicarbonate from conditions like diarrhea or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

Question 9

What does an HCO₃ level of > 26 mEq/L indicate?

Answer 9

Alkalosis

This can result from an excess of bicarbonate due to vomiting or the use of antacids.

Question 10

What is the normal range for PaO₂?

Answer 10

80 – 100 mmHg

This value indicates oxygenation but does not directly reflect acid-base balance.

Question 11

What mnemonic can be used to remember acid-base balance concepts?

Answer 11

ROME

ROME stands for Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal.

Question 12

In the context of respiratory acidosis, what happens to pH and PaCO₂?

Answer 12

pH ↓, PaCO₂ ↑

This indicates that as the pH decreases, the PaCO₂ increases, signifying acidosis.

Question 13

In the context of respiratory alkalosis, what happens to pH and PaCO₂?

Answer 13

pH ↑, PaCO₂ ↓

This indicates that as the pH increases, the PaCO₂ decreases, signifying alkalosis.

Question 14

In the context of metabolic acidosis, what happens to pH and HCO₃?

Answer 14

pH ↓, HCO₃ ↓

This indicates that as the pH decreases, the HCO₃ also decreases, signifying acidosis.

Question 15

In the context of metabolic alkalosis, what happens to pH and HCO₃?

Answer 15

pH ↑, HCO₃ ↑

This indicates that as the pH increases, the HCO₃ also increases, signifying alkalosis.