-2026
Acid-base regulatory mechanisms in the body - Answers Buffers, respiratory, and the renal
systems regulate this
Properties of the buffer system - Answers carbonate acid--bicarbonate, phosphate, proteins, and
hemoglobin buffers
Compensates the fastest out of the three
How K+ is affected by acid base imbalances - Answers K+ may be low in alkalosis and high in
acidosis (think of electrolyte shifts from inside to outside of cell)
Properties of the respiratory system (related to acid-base regulation) - Answers CO2+H2O =
H+HCO3
Increasing/decreasing respirations changes CO2 (acid) levels
(CO2 readings are an indication of ventilation)
Think of Kussmaul's respirations--blowing off CO2 (acid)
Takes minutes to hours to compensates
Properties of the Renal System Regulation (r/t acid-base regulation) - Answers Kidneys
conserve HCO3 and excretes H+ and other weak acids
--Combines H+ w/ NH3
Takes days to fully compensate
Causes of acute pH imbalances - Answers Sepsis, DKA, ARDs (no compensation)
Cause of chronic pH imbalances - Answers Renal failure, COPD (compensation occurs)
Causes of acidosis - Answers CNS/respiratory depression, metabolic disturbances (DM1&2--
Kussmaul), oversedation, head injury
Manifestations of alkalosis - Answers CNS irritability, hypocalcemic symptoms (tingling in lips,
muscle spasms)
What may waking up with a headache indicate (r/t pH)? - Answers Sleep apnea disrupts
breathing-->CO2 builds up--->CO2 causes vasodilation-->headache
In respiratory pH disturbances:
Acidosis: ___ pH ___ CO2
, Alkalosis:___ pH ___ CO2 - Answers Acidosis: _down_ pH _up_ CO2
Alkalosis: _up_ pH _down_ CO2
In metabolic pH disturbances:
Acidosis: ___ pH ___ HCO3
Alkalosis:___ pH ___ HCO3 - Answers Acidosis: _down_ pH _down_ HCO3
Alkalosis: _up_ pH _up_ HCO3
Interpret the following:
pH: 7.30
CO2: 25
HCO3: 16
Compensated? - Answers pH: 7.30 (LOW, acidosis)
CO2: 25 (LOW - 35-45)
HCO3: 16 (LOW - 22-26)
Compensated? no
Metabolic Acidosis
Interpret the following:
pH: 7.18
PaCO2: 38
PaO2: 70
HCO3: 15
Compensated? - Answers pH: 7.18 (LOW, acidosis)
CO2: 38 (Normal - 35-45)
PaO2: 70 (LOW - 80-100_=)
HCO3: (LOW- 22-26)
Compensated? no