Acid-base Disorder(chem path)

Question 1

What are the normal values for:
1. pH
2. [H+]
3. PCO2
4. HCO3-
5. Anion gap

Answer 1

1. 7.35-7.45
2. 35-45 nmol/L
3. 35-45 mmHg
4. 22-26 mmol/L
5. 14-18 mmol/L

Question 2

What do we call a condition where there is:
1. Decreased pH
2. Increased pH

Answer 2

1 Acidaemia
2 Alkalaemia

Question 3

What do we call the process that:
1. Lowers pH
2. Increases pH

Answer 3

1. Acidosis
2. Alkalosis

Question 4

What are the four acid-base disorders we have?

Answer 4

Respiratory acidosis
Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic acidosis
Metabolic alkalosis

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis? (6)

Answer 5

-Hypoxia, decreased BP, headache, hyperkalaemia, dysrthmias, muscle weakness.

Question 6

What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis? (5)

Answer 6

• Hyperventilation, deep and rapid breathing, tachycardia, hypokalaemia, seizures.

Question 7

Compensation mechanisms in respiratory acidosis

Answer 7

Resporatory center- Induces high exhalation of CO2.
Buffer system- Raise plasma bicarbonate concentration.
Kidney- Increases reabsorption of bicarbonate and increases acid excretion.

Question 8

What are the long-term effects of respiratory acidosis? (4)

Answer 8

-Airway obstruction
-Pulmonary disease
-Neuromuscular disease
-Depression of the respiratory centre.

Question 9

Compensation mechanisms in respiratory alkalosis

Answer 9

-Buffering system lowers the plasma bicarbonate concentration.
-Respiratory center decreases exhalation of CO2.
-Kidneys decreases the reabsorption of bicarbonate ions and decreases the excretion of acid (ammonium).

Question 10

Long-term effects of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 10

Increased respiratory drive (can cause pulmonary disease)
Mechanical over-ventilation
Voluntary hyperventilation

Question 11

What are the causes of metabolic acidosis?

Answer 11

-Acid retention
- Acid regeneration
-Loss of bicarbonate ions
-Anion gap

Question 12

What are the causes of high anion gap? (8)

Answer 12

Methanol
Uremia
DKA
Propylene glycol
Isoniazid
Lactic acidosis
Ethylene glycol
Salicylate

Question 13

Causes of normal anion gap (6)

Answer 13

Hyperchloridaemia
Acetazolamides
Renal tubular acidosis
Diarrhoea
Ureteral diversion
Pancreatic fistula

Question 14

Causes of metabolic alkalosis (3)

Answer 14

Potassium depletion
Volume depletion
Chronic alkali intake