Module 9: Altered Acid-Base Balance

Flashcards about Acid-Base Balance

What is acid-base balance?

Balance of body between acidity and alkalinity

What is acid-base balance?

Homeostasis and compensatory mechanisms which balance the body between acidity and alkalinity

What are acids?

Substances that donate hydrogen ions (H+)

What are bases?

Substances that accept hydrogen ions (H+)

What is pH?

Clinical measurement of acid:base ratio

What is Anion Gap?

Calculation of major cations and anions in plasma, indicates acid-base balance

What is the formula for Anion Gap?

[Na]- ([Cl] + [HCO3])

What are the three types of buffer systems?

Plasma, Respiratory, and Renal

How does the plasma buffer system work?

Reacts in seconds to hydrogen ion level

How does the respiratory buffer system work?

Reacts in minutes to excrete CO2

How does the renal buffer system work?

Reacts in hours to days to produce, absorb, and excrete acids, bases, and ions

What are the four main types of acid-base disorders?

Metabolic acidosis, Metabolic alkalosis, Respiratory acidosis, and Respiratory alkalosis.

Metabolic =

Kidneys

Respiratory =

Lungs

How does the pulmonary system adjust pH?

Using Carbon Dioxide, upon expiration

How does the renal system affect pH?

Reabsorbing Bicarbonate and excreting fixed acids

Normal pH:

7.35-7.45

Normal pCO2:

35-45 mmHg

Normal HCO3:

22-26

Normal po2:

80-100 mmHg

What is Respiratory Acid-Base Imbalance?

Decrease in ventilation, causing an increase in pCO2

What is Metabolic Acid-Base Imbalance?

Addition or loss of acid/alkali from the extracellular fluids cause alterations in the HCO3 levels

What are the diagnostics for Metabolic Acidosis?

Anion Gap test, Arterial Blood Gases, Urine test, Blood sugar meters

What are the treatments for Metabolic Acidosis?

Treat the underlying cause, Detoxification, Insulin, IV Fluids, IV Sodium Bicarbonate, Preventative measures

What are the diagnostics for Metabolic Alkalosis?

Arterial Blood Gases, EKG, Basic Metabolic Panel (Electrolytes), Urine Test

What are the treatments for Metabolic Alkalosis?

Stop the underlying cause, Electrolyte replacement, IV fluids

What are the diagnostics for Respiratory Acidosis?

Arterial Blood Gases, Chest X-ray, Pulmonary Function Test, Basic Metabolic Panel (Electrolytes)

What are the treatments for Respiratory Acidosis?

Oxygen therapy, Mechanical Ventilation, Bronchodilators, Corticosteroids, Smoking Cessation

What are the diagnostics for Respiratory Alkalosis?

Physical Exam, Arterial Blood Gas, Basic Metabolic Panel (Electrolytes), Chest X-ray, Urine Test

What are the treatments for Respiratory Alkalosis?

Treat the underlying cause, Oxygen therapy, Electrolyte replacement, Stop all medication that causes the condition

Why do we perform Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Sampling?

Assess the acid-base status of a client

What does ROME stand for when analyzing ABG's?

Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic equal

What is Renal Tubulopathy?

Group of autosomal recessive disorders characterized by metabolic alkalosis

What are the diagnostics for Renal Tubulopathy?

Urine and serum electrolyte studies, Arterial blood gasses, anion gap, base excess, Urine specific gravity, Renal ultrasound, Genetic testing

What are the treatments for Renal Tubulopathy?

Correction of renal salt and fluid losses, Sodium and potassium supplements, Diuretics that spare potassium excretion, Indomethacin, Calcium, Magnesium supplements

What is Parenteral Nutrition?

Supplemental nutrition that bypasses typical processes of eating and digestion

What are the diagnostics for Renal Tulalopathy?

Arterial blood gas sampling to determine pH, Electrolyte balance, Anion gap

What are the treatments for Renal Tubulopathy?

Adjusting the parenteral nutrition formula, Give Bicarbonate HCO3 to correct the deficit, Hydration, Oxygen