Acid Bases Flashcards
(23 cards)
What is the normal blood pH?
7.4
What does a pH below 7.4 indicate?
Acidosis
What does a pH above 7.4 indicate?
Alkalosis
What is the normal arterial pCO₂?
40 mmHg
What is the normal arterial [HCO₃⁻]?
24 mmol/l
What is the main source of acid in the body?
CO₂
What is the main source of alkalinity in the body?
HCO₃⁻
What are the 3 steps to solve acid-base problems?
- Determine acidosis or alkalosis from pH
- Identify metabolic or respiratory cause from CO₂ and HCO₃⁻
- Assess if acute or chronic based on HCO₃⁻ deviation
What HCO₃⁻ change suggests a chronic condition?
5 or more mmol/l away from 24 mmol/l
If the HCO₃⁻ is near 24 mmol/l, is the condition acute or chronic?
Acute
If pH = 7.34, pCO₂ = 47, HCO₃⁻ = 27, what is the acid-base disorder?
Acute respiratory acidosis
If pH = 7.62, pCO₂ = 20, HCO₃⁻ = 20, what is the acid-base disorder?
Acute respiratory alkalosis
If pH = 7.49, pCO₂ = 48, HCO₃⁻ = 35, what is the acid-base disorder?
Chronic metabolic alkalosis (or metabolic alkalosis)
What acid-base disorder is caused by diabetic ketoacidosis?
Metabolic acidosis
What acid-base disorder is caused by prolonged vomiting?
Metabolic alkalosis
What acid-base disorder is caused by breathing 7% CO₂?
Acute respiratory acidosis
What acid-base disorder is caused by emphysema?
Chronic respiratory acidosis
What acid-base disorder is caused by voluntary hyperventilation?
Acute respiratory alkalosis
What acid-base disorder is caused by 3 weeks at high altitude?
Chronic respiratory alkalosis
Why should all three values (pH, pCO₂, HCO₃⁻) be provided in a clinical setting?
To make an accurate diagnosis and avoid incorrect treatment.
What type of disorders are usually chronic: metabolic or respiratory?
Metabolic
Which organ system compensates for respiratory disorders?
The kidneys
Which organ system compensates for metabolic disorders?
The lungs
