Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gases

Flashcards about Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gases

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Crucial information about acid-base balance and oxygenation; Essential in assessing respiratory and metabolic function in critically ill patients.

Electrolyte

Any molecule or chemical compound that can release ions when dissolved into a liquid/solution such as water.

Acid

Can release a proton or a hydrogen ion; can also accept electrons.

Dissociation

The release of the hydrogen ion by the acid

Bases

Molecules or chemical compounds that can accept protons or yield hydroxide ions (OH−) in solution; can counteract acids by accepting the H + ions released by the acid.

Hydrolysis

The process where bases can counteract acids by accepting the H+ ions released by the acid

Chemical Buffer Systems

Respond immediately to pH changes

Carbonic acid buffer system

Regulates pH in the intracellular fluid (ICF)

Phosphate buffer system

Regulates pH in the extracellular fluid (ECF)

Protein buffer system

Regulates pH in both the ICF and ECF

Carbonic acid buffer system

Maintains the balance in the blood between bicarbonate (HCO3 −), which is a weak base, and carbonic acid (H2CO3 −), which is a weak acid.

Volatile acids

Acids that can be converted into a gaseous form and then eliminated by the lungs

Base Excess/Deficit

Reflects metabolic component of acid-base balance

Base Excess (BE)

+2 indicates metabolic alkalosis.

Base Deficit (BE)

< -2 indicates metabolic acidosis.

Nephrons

The structural centers of the kidney where filtration occurs.

Metabolic Acidosis

Excess acid or loss of HCO3−.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Excess HCO3− or loss of acid.

Role of the respiratory system in acid-base balance

Lungs regulate pH by controlling CO2 elimination.

Hypoventilation

Increases CO2 → Respiratory Acidosis.

Hyperventilation

Decreases CO2 → Respiratory Alkalosis.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG)

Measures oxygenation and acid-base status.