Acid-Base Balance and Compensation Mechanisms

A comprehensive set of flashcards focusing on key vocabulary and concepts related to acid-base balance and compensation mechanisms in the human body.

Base Excess

A measure used to assess the metabolic component of acid-base balance.

pH

A scale used to specify the acidity or basicity of an aqueous solution.

Acidotic

A condition where the body's pH is below the normal range, indicating acidity.

Alkalotic

A condition where the body's pH is above the normal range, indicating alkalinity.

pCO2

Partial pressure of carbon dioxide, indicating respiratory function.

Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

A buffer that helps maintain the body's pH balance.

pO2

Partial pressure of oxygen, indicating oxygenation status.

SaO2

Arterial oxygen saturation, indicating the percentage of hemoglobin bound to oxygen.

Respiratory Acidosis

A condition where high pCO2 leads to a decrease in pH.

Metabolic Acidosis

A condition where low bicarbonate levels lead to a decrease in pH.

Compensation

The body's physiological response to restore normal pH levels.

Uncompensated

A state where no compensatory mechanisms are effective in balancing pH.

Partially Compensated

A state where compensatory mechanisms are working but pH is still abnormal.

Mixed Acidosis

A condition where both respiratory and metabolic factors contribute to acidosis.

Respiratory function

Refers to the aspects of breathing and gas exchange.

Kidneys role in compensation

The kidneys help compensate for respiratory issues by adjusting bicarbonate levels.

Elevated pCO2

Indicates retention of carbon dioxide, often leading to respiratory acidosis.

Normal HCO3- range

Typically between 22 to 28 mEq/L.

Systemic oxygenation

The overall oxygen saturation of the body's tissues.

pH normal range

Typically between 7.35 and 7.45.

Compensatory mechanisms

Physiological adjustments made by the body to stabilize pH.

Acidosis vs. Alkalosis

Acidosis refers to low pH, alkalosis refers to high pH.

Pulse oximeter

A device used to measure oxygen saturation in peripheral blood.

Acid-base imbalance

A condition where the body's pH is not within normal ranges due to various factors.

Blood gas analysis

A test measuring pH, pCO2, pO2, and bicarbonate levels.

Renal compensation

The kidneys' adjustment of bicarbonate to correct acid-base imbalances.

Acid-base disorders

Conditions resulting from imbalances in the body's acid-base status.

Bicarbonate retention

Occurs when the kidneys retain bicarbonate to manage acidosis.

Respiratory rate changes

Changes in breathing rate in response to acid-base balance.

Chronic lung disease impact

May lead to sustained respiratory acidosis as the body adapts over time.

Capillary oxygen saturation

Measured through devices like pulse oximeters, indicating local oxygen levels.

Ventilation-perfusion mismatch

A condition where the air reaching the alveoli does not match blood flow in the surrounding capillaries.

Interpreting blood gases

The process of analyzing pH, pCO2, pO2, and bicarbonate levels to assess acid-base status.

Partial pressure of oxygen importance

Indicates how well oxygen is able to move from the lungs to the blood.

Metabolic compensation process

How the body reacts to respiratory issues by altering bicarbonate levels.

Rome Method

A mnemonic for interpreting acid-base imbalances by comparing pH to pCO2 and bicarbonate.

Bicarbonate normal range

Typically between 22 to 28 mEq/L in arterial blood.

Lactic acidosis

A form of metabolic acidosis caused by lactic acid buildup due to hypoxia.

Acid-base balance maintenance

The body's efforts to keep pH within the normal range.

Mixed alkalosis

A condition where high pH is due to both respiratory and metabolic contributions.

Elevated bicarbonate

Indicates metabolic alkalosis when paired with elevated pH.

Carbon dioxide transport

CO2 is transported in blood as dissolved gas, bicarbonate, and carbamino compounds.

Nervous system's role in respiration

Controls respiratory rate and depth based on blood gas levels.

Effects of acidosis on the body

Can lead to confusion, lethargy, and decreased cardiac output.

Effects of alkalosis on the body

May cause muscle twitching, spasms, and increased neuromuscular excitability.

Bicarbonate buffering system

Helps to maintain pH in the blood by balancing acids and bases.

Respiratory drive

The body's mechanism to regulate breathing based on CO2 levels.

Clinical signs of acidosis

Can include headache, confusion, and lethargy.

Clinical signs of alkalosis

May include tetany, convulsions, and muscle cramps.

Arterial blood gas sampling

A method used to analyze gas exchange and acid-base status in blood.

Metabolic compensation timeline

Can take hours to days for the kidneys to adjust bicarbonate levels.

Chronic respiratory patients

May present with compensated respiratory acidosis over time.