Acid Base Compensation

Question 1

How does the body compensate in respiratory acidosis?

Answer 1

Body wants to stay within a normal pH when pH drops the kidneys kick in to retain bicarb & bring it back up

Question 2

How does the body compensate in metabolic acidosis?

Answer 2

Body wants to stay within a normal pH so the lungs kick in to blow off CO2 to bring pH back up (Kussmaul’s respirations)

Question 3

How does the body compensate in respiratory alkalosis?

Answer 3

Body wants to stay within a normal pH so the kidneys kick in to excrete bicarb and bring the pH back down

Question 4

Explain partial compensation Hint: 2

Answer 4

1) pH is still abnormal (but improving)
2) Opposite parameter is abnormal

Question 5

Example:

pH 7.32, PaCO2 56, HCO3 28
What kind of compensation is this? How do we know?

Answer 5

Partially compensated respiratory acidosis
Cannot be metabolic b/c pH and bicarb are opposite & they must be the SAME

Question 6

Explain full compensation
Hint: 2

Answer 6

1) pH is normalized
2) Opposite parameter is abnormal

Question 7

Example:

pH 7.36, PaCO2 56, HCO3 30
What kind of compensation is this? How do we know?

Answer 7

Fully compensated respiratory acidosis
Both bicarb & CO2 will now be abnormal & the pH will be within normal range