Acid-Base Balance and Arterial Blood Gases

These flashcards cover key concepts related to acid-base balance, arterial blood gases, and respiratory disorders.

Acid-Base Imbalance

A condition where the body's pH is outside the normal range of 7.35 to 7.45.

Chemical Buffer System

The first line of defense that acts within seconds to maintain pH balance.

Carbonic Acid (H2CO3)

A key component of the chemical buffer system formed by the reaction of CO2 and H2O.

Phosphate Buffer

Buffer system where phosphate ions can act as either an acid or a base.

Protein Buffer

A system where the amino acids in proteins can donate or accept hydrogen ions.

Respiratory System

Regulates acid-base balance by controlling CO2 levels in the blood.

Renal System

The slowest defense mechanism that regulates bicarbonate and hydrogen ions.

bicarbonate (HCO3)

An ion regulated by the kidneys, crucial for maintaining acid-base balance.

Acidosis

A condition where the pH drops below 7.35, resulting in CNS depression.

Alkalosis

A condition where the pH rises above 7.45, leading to CNS overstimulation.

Hyperkalemia

An elevated level of potassium in the blood often seen with acidosis.

Calcium (Ca2+)

An electrolyte whose relationship with albumin can be affected by acid-base balance.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

A test that measures oxygen levels and acid-base balance in arterial blood.

pH

The measure of acidity or alkalinity of blood; normal range is 7.35 to 7.45.

PAO2

Partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood; normal range is 80 to 100.

PACO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood; indicates hypoventilation or hyperventilation.

HCO3

Bicarbonate level measured in ABGs; normal range is 22 to 26.

Compensation

The body's response to pH imbalances through respiratory or renal adjustments.

Uncompensated

When the pH is abnormal and only one other ABG value is abnormal.

Partially Compensated

When both PACO2 and HCO3 are abnormal and the pH is still abnormal.

Fully Compensated

When the pH is within normal range, but either PACO2 or HCO3 is abnormal.

Respiratory Acidosis

Caused by hypoventilation leading to increased CO2 and decreased pH.

Respiratory Alkalosis

Caused by hyperventilation leading to decreased CO2 and increased pH.

Metabolic Acidosis

Caused by excessive acid or loss of bicarbonate, leading to decreased pH.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Caused by excessive bicarbonate or loss of acid, leading to increased pH.

Lactic Acid

Acid produced during anaerobic metabolism, often building up in acidosis.

Pulmonary Edema

Fluid accumulation in the lungs that can affect acid-base balance.

Hypoventilation

Slow or shallow breathing leading to increased CO2 levels.

Hyperventilation

Fast or deep breathing leading to decreased CO2 levels.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A condition characterized by the buildup of ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis.

Sodium Bicarbonate

A treatment for metabolic acidosis but can worsen respiratory acidosis.

Electrolyte Imbalances

Changes in electrolyte levels that often accompany acid-base imbalances.

Tachycardia

An increased heart rate that may be present in acid-base imbalances.

Cardiac Arrhythmias

Irregular heartbeats that can occur during severe acid-base disturbances.

Central Nervous System (CNS) depression

A condition resulting from acidosis, leading to symptoms like lethargy.

Friction Rub

A sound heard on auscultation that may indicate pleurisy.

Pneumothorax

Collapsed lung due to air in the pleural space.

Hemothorax

Presence of blood in the pleural space, often due to trauma.

Pleural Effusion

Accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

Atelectasis

Collapse of alveoli leading to impaired gas exchange.

Flail Chest

A condition where multiple rib fractures cause paradoxical movement.

Thoracentesis

A procedure to remove fluid from the pleural space for diagnosis or treatment.

Chest Tube

A tube inserted to drain air or fluid from the pleural space.

Exudate

Fluid that leaks into the pleural space due to inflammation or disease.

Transudative Effusion

Fluid from a systemic cause, often due to conditions like heart failure.

Empyema

Accumulation of pus in the pleural space, indicating infection.

Pleural Space

The area between the layers of the pleura surrounding the lungs.

Chest Trauma

Injury to the chest that can lead to pneumothorax or hemothorax.

Respiratory Failure

Inability to maintain adequate gas exchange, leading to acidosis or alkalosis.

Arterial Oxygen Saturation

The percentage of hemoglobin saturated with oxygen in arterial blood.

Hypercapnia

Abnormally high levels of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hypoxemia

Low oxygen levels in the blood, often detected through ABG.

Kussmaul Breathing

Deep, gasping breaths that occur in metabolic acidosis.

Retained CO2

Excess carbon dioxide that leads to respiratory acidosis.

Oxygen Saturation SpO2

A measured value representing the percentage of hemoglobin carrying oxygen.

Shunting

A condition where blood bypasses the normal pathway, leading to decreased oxygenation.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

A virus that can lead to respiratory failure in children, affecting acid-base balance.

Biphasic Breathing

A pattern of breathing that may indicate respiratory distress.

Metabolic Alkalosis

Elevated bicarbonate levels, often from prolonged vomiting.

Hypokalemia

Reduced potassium in the blood, commonly associated with alkalosis.

Metabolic Compromise

A condition where metabolic processes are impaired, affecting acid-base status.

Chest Auscultation

Listening to lung sounds to assess for conditions like pleural effusion.

Spontaneous Pneumothorax

A pneumothorax that occurs without any trauma, often in tall males.

Intercostal Space

The space between ribs where fluid may accumulate in pleural effusions.

Pneumonia

Lung infection that can cause pleuritis and impact respiratory function.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

A deep breathing technique that promotes lung inflation.

Respiratory Depression

Slowing of respiration that may lead to increased carbon dioxide levels.

Hydration Status

The balance of fluids in the body, critical for maintaining homeostasis.

Anxiety

Psychological condition that can lead to hyperventilation.

Medulla Oblongata

Part of the brain that regulates breathing and monitors CO2 levels.