Class notes Nursing (Biochemistry)

Acid and Base Balance and
Imbalance

,1 Acid and Base Balance and Imbalance
 Acid-base balance in the human body is one of the most paramount physiological processes.
 This tutorial intends to impart a basic understanding of acid-base balance in the body while
providing a systematic way to approach patients who present with conditions causing
alterations in pH.
 The human body experiences four main types of acid-based disorders: metabolic acidosis,
metabolic alkalosis, respiratory acidosis, and respiratory alkalosis.
 1: Introduction
 2: pH Review
 3: Buffer systems
 4: respiratory acidosis
 5: Respiratory alkalosis
 6: Metabolic acidosis
 7: Metabolic alkalosis
 8: Metabolic acidosis
 9: Compensation

,1 pH Review


 pH = - log [H+]
 H+ is really a proton
 Range is from 0 - 14
 If [H+] is high, the solution is
acidic; pH < 7
 If [H+] is low, the solution is basic
or alkaline ; pH > 7

, 2 pH Review




• Acids are H+ donors.
• Bases are H+ acceptors, or give up OH- in
solution.
• Acids and bases can be:
• Strong – dissociate completely in
solution i.e HCl,
• Weak – dissociate only partially
in solution
• Lactic acid, carbonic acid