Acid Base Balance

Body’s Normal pH

7.35-7.45

Alkalotic State

state in the body is when the pH is greater than 7.45

Why is Acid-Base Balance Important

Any other disruption in this balance can adversely affect metabolic processes, such as oxygen delivery to tissues, function of enzymes within cells, and even medication metabolism.

Higher pH refers to what level of hydrogens in the blood

lower level of free hydrogens

Buffers

Can react either as an acid or a base- retains or excretes hydrogen ions

act like sponges- squeezing up free hydrogen ions, when too many are present, and squeezing out hydrogen ions when too few are present.

Acids

cells produce carbonic and metabolic acids- release hydrogen atoms

Carbon Dioxide or Carbonic acid (mixed with water) is the most common type

Primary organ of acid production

The lungs

Bases

binds hydrogen ions

example is bicarbonate

Bicarbonate

the most common base in the body- can bind hydrogen atoms, to lower the acidity

kidneys can generate these if needed

Buffer systems

bind with hydrogen ions w/excess acid—acts in seconds

1st Line of Defense

the Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate system, that act immediately by making small adjustments to the pH

ICF buffering systems

include phosphates, RBC’s, and Hemoglobin

Hgb is a protein and also gives the blood it’s red color- and disassociates hydrogen ions which lowers acidity.

Phosphates help neutralize the hydrogen ions in the cells

Lungs- Acid Base Balance

2nd line of defense

Regulates & excretes carbonic acid by eliminating or retaining CO2

Changes rate and depth of respirations-controlled in the brain- medulla oblongata

Renal System - Acid Base balance

3rd line of defense

Long-term regulation of acid-base balance

Maintain acid-base balance in two ways: Bicarbonate reabsorption and Hydrogen excretion

Bicarb ions and Carbonic Acid Ratio

20:1 ratio if the blood pH is in a normal range

Acidosis

pH is less than 7.35

Patient is retaining acids- or loosing bases

Can be caused by a respiratory or metabolic problem

Alkalosis

pH is greater than 7.45

Patient is retaining bases- or losing acids

Can be caused by a metabolic or respiratory problem

Anything that increases the co2 level in the blood leads to what

increases the h+ content

Acids are formed in the body as a result of what

metabolism –resp or cellular