Chapter 9: Altered Acid-Base Balance

Vocabulary flashcards from the lecture on altered acid-base balance, covering key terms and definitions related to acid-base disorders.

Acids

Substances that donate hydrogen ions.

Bases

Substances that accept hydrogen ions.

Anion Gap

A calculation of the major measured cations and anions in the plasma used to provide an indication of acid-base balance.

Buffer Systems

Mixing of acid and base to resist pH change, which includes plasma buffer system, respiratory buffer system, and renal buffer system.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition characterized by a deficit of bicarbonate (HCO3−) which leads to a decrease in pH.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition characterized by an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3−) which leads to an increase in pH.

pH Scale

A scale that measures whether a solution is acidic (pH < 7), neutral (pH = 7), or basic (pH > 7).

Hepatic Steatosis

A condition where fat builds up in the liver, often associated with increased lactate levels.

Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate Buffer System

The primary extracellular buffer system that regulates pH through a balance between carbon dioxide and bicarbonate.

Lactic Acidosis Syndrome (LAS)

A severe form of metabolic acidosis resulting from elevated lactate levels.