Chem 110 LO7

What is the purpose of maintaining acid-base balance in the body?

To maintain homeostasis of hydrogen ion concentration in bodily fluids.

What is the normal pH range of human arterial blood?

7.35 to 7.45.

What are the primary organs involved in controlling H+ concentration?

The lungs and kidneys.

What is an acid?

A substance that yields hydrogen (H+) ions in a solution.

What is a base?

A substance that yields hydroxyl (OH-) ions in a solution.

What is a buffer?

A solution that minimizes changes in pH due to the addition of acids or bases.

What main buffer system is present in plasma?

Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer System.

What generates H+ ions in our bodies?

Breakdown of fats and sugars for energy generates CO2, which forms carbonic acid.

How do the lungs help regulate acid-base balance?

By removing CO2 from the body.

What is the role of the kidneys in maintaining acid-base balance?

They excrete metabolic acids, secrete H+ into the urine, and reabsorb bicarbonate (HCO3).

What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch Equation used for?

To calculate the bicarbonate result in acid-base balance.

What happens in acidosis?

pH is more acidic than 7.35, potentially due to excess acid or lack of base.

What indicates alkalosis?

pH is more alkaline than 7.45, which may be due to excess base or lack of acid.

What is the bicarbonate to carbonic acid ratio at normal pH?

20:1.

What two systems work together to maintain blood pH?

The renal system (kidneys) and the respiratory system (lungs).

What occurs during respiratory acidosis?

A primary change in pCO2, leading to a decrease in pH.

What is the consequence of increased lactate in the body?

It is an indicator of hypoxia and can lead to metabolic acidosis.

What does a Co-oximeter measure?

It measures oxygen saturation and various hemoglobin fractions.

What is the effect of hypoxemia on acid-base balance?

It can cause disturbances, especially if pO2 falls below 50-60 mmHg.

What does the term 'fully compensated' mean in acid-base disorders?

The pH has returned to normal, although the other parameters remain abnormal.

What occurs during metabolic acidosis?

There is a primary change in bicarbonate (HCO3), leading to a decrease in pH.

What is compensation in the context of acid-base balance?

The body's mechanism to return pH to normal by altering the non-primary cause of imbalance.

How does the body respond to the overproduction of acid by a metabolic source?

The lungs will try to remove acid by exhaling carbon dioxide.

What is a metabolic component in acid-base balance?

HCO3 relates to metabolic activity, managed by the kidneys.

What factor affects the affinity of hemoglobin for oxygen in the lungs?

pH, body temperature, and levels of pCO2.

What role does hemoglobin play in oxygen transport?

It carries most of the oxygen in the blood, binding with up to 4 molecules of O2.

What indicates a problem in oxygen saturation measurements?

The presence of abnormal hemoglobins like COHb or MetHb, which can falsely elevate calculated saturation.

What is the equation showing the relationship between CO2 and bicarbonate?

CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-.

What does partial compensation mean?

The pH is close to normal but pCO2 and bicarbonate are still abnormal.

Name one buffer system utilized in the human body.

Bicarbonate-Carbonic Acid Buffer System.

What allows the kidneys to selectively excrete bicarbonate?

To correct the pH in the body when necessary.

What happens in the case of anaerobic respiration?

Lactic acid is produced, which can result in metabolic acidosis.

How does a pulse oximeter differ from a co-oximeter?

Pulse oximetry measures overall oxygen saturation, while co-oximetry measures specific hemoglobin fractions.

What happens if the body's acid-base balance is disrupted?

It can impair normal cellular chemical reactions and metabolic processes.

What substance is generated when fat is broken down for energy?

Carbon dioxide (CO2), which combines with water to form carbonic acid.

What is the significance of measuring lactate levels?

Increased lactate indicates hypoxia and potential metabolic acidosis.

What does it mean if compensation is referred to as uncompensated?

The body has not yet begun to compensate for a pH imbalance.

What physiological effect does a low concentration of H+ have?

It can greatly impact cellular chemical reactions and metabolic processes.

How does carbon monoxide affect hemoglobin's oxygen transport?

It binds to hemoglobin, reducing its ability to carry oxygen.

What keeps the concentration of bicarbonate and carbonic acid in balance?

The ratio maintained by the equilibrium constant and physiological processes.

What does arterial blood gas (ABG) testing measure?

It provides essential parameters of acid-base balance, including pH, pCO2, and HCO3.

What leads to a decrease in the body's pH?

An increase in H+ concentration or a decrease in HCO3 concentration.

What is lactic acidosis?

A form of metabolic acidosis due to lactic acid accumulation from anaerobic metabolism.

Why is it critical for the body to maintain its acid-base equilibrium?

It is essential for normal cellular function and enzymatic reactions.

What is the normal role of bicarbonate in the body?

It acts as a base to neutralize excess acids and maintain pH balance.

What does acute respiratory acidosis indicate?

It indicates an immediate inability of the lungs to remove CO2, leading to pH drop.

How does a decrease in body temperature affect hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen?

It generally increases hemoglobin's affinity for oxygen.

What clinical symptoms could indicate a patient is suffering from acid-base disturbance?

Confusion, lethargy, or shortness of breath.

What does the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation estimate in clinical settings?

It estimates the acid-base status by measuring pH and pCO2.

Why is the conservation of bicarbonate critical in the kidneys?

To help buffer excess H+ ions and maintain acid-base homeostasis.

What role does ammonia play in acid-base balance in the kidneys?

It helps in the excretion of H+ ions, aiding in acid-base regulation.

What does the presence of a high pCO2 value typically indicate?

It may indicate respiratory acidosis.

How is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related to acid-base balance?

It can lead to chronic respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.

What happens to bicarbonate during metabolic alkalosis?

Bicarbonate levels increase, raising the pH above 7.45.

What is the relationship between acidosis and potassium levels?

Acidosis can cause hyperkalemia due to intracellular potassium shifting.

What compensatory mechanism might occur in respiratory alkalosis?

Kidneys may excrete more HCO3 to restore normal pH.

How does hypoxia contribute to lactic acidosis?

Insufficient oxygen leads tissues to produce lactic acid anaerobically.

What can high blood lactate levels indicate in a patient?

Possible tissue hypoxia or sepsis.

What is the function of hemoglobin's oxygen dissociation curve?

To illustrate how factors like pH and pCO2 affect oxygen release.

How do the lungs and kidneys coordinate in response to acid-base disturbances?

They adjust their functions to compensate for shifts in pH.

What is a common treatment approach for metabolic acidosis?

Administering bicarbonate to restore acid-base balance.

What does the term 'physiological buffer' refer to?

Natural systems in the body that regulate pH changes.

How does renal compensation occur during a respiratory acidosis episode?

The kidneys retain bicarbonate and excrete H+ to normalize pH.

What clinical use does co-oximetry serve outside of basic CBC testing?

It evaluates specific hemoglobin variants impacting oxygen transport.

How does the body remove CO2 to maintain pH balance?

By adjusting breathing rate and depth to increase or decrease exhalation.

What is an important diagnostic indicator when interpreting blood gases?

The pH level in relation to pCO2 and bicarbonate.

What physiological changes occur if the carbonic acid is predominantly elevated?

It can lead to acidosis by increasing H+ concentration.

What impact does hydrogencarbonate (HCO3) have on metabolic functions?

It provides buffering capacity against acid accumulation.

How do electrolyte levels influence acid-base balance?

Electrolytes can modify enzymatic reactions that depend on pH.

What is meant by 'mixed acid-base disturbance'?

When abnormalities in both respiratory and metabolic systems occur concurrently.