Acid-Base Imbalances and Homeostasis

Vocabulary flashcards covering serum ABG components, standard physiological ranges, and acid-base imbalance categories with their underlying mechanisms.

PaO2

The pressure exerted by dissolved oxygen in arterial blood, representing the oxygen available for cellular metabolism, with a normal range of $80$ to $100$ (values less than $80$ indicate hypoxemia).

PaCO2

The pressure exerted by dissolved carbon dioxide in arterial blood, acting as an acid, with a normal range of $35$ to $45$.

Serum Bicarbonate

A base and primary serum buffer in the body, with a normal reference range of $22$ to $26$.

Base Excess

A measurement of buffer base capacity indicating how much hydrogen or bicarbonate is needed to restore blood to a normal pH, with a normal range of $-3$ to $+3$.

Normal Serum pH Range

The narrow range of blood acidity/alkalinity maintained by the body for optimal cellular metabolism, defined as $7.35$ to $7.45$.

Metabolic Acidosis

An acid-base imbalance characterized by a serum pH below $7.35$ and a serum bicarbonate level less than $22$.

Metabolic Alkalosis

An acid-base imbalance characterized by a serum pH above $7.45$ and an elevated serum bicarbonate level.

Respiratory Acidosis

An acid-base imbalance characterized by a serum pH below $7.35$ and an elevated PaCO2 level resulting from carbon dioxide retention and hypoventilation.

Respiratory Alkalosis

An acid-base imbalance characterized by a serum pH above $7.45$ and a low PaCO2 level caused by excessive blowing off of carbon dioxide during hyperventilation.

Kussmaul's Respirations

A compensatory breathing pattern observed in clients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) featuring deep respirations and a prolonged expiratory period to blow off excess carbon dioxide.

Acidosis-Induced Hyperkalemia

An elevation of serum potassium caused by body cells shifting hydrogen ions ($\text{H}^+$) intracellularly to neutralize excess acid while releasing potassium ions ($\text{K}^+$) into the extracellular vascular space.

Alkalosis-Induced Hypocalcemia

A functional decrease in available serum calcium during alkalosis caused by increased calcium binding to serum proteins, resulting in manifestations such as tetany, twitching, and tremors.