Acid-Base Balance Review

Flashcards about acid-base ranges and the significance of variance.

What is the normal pH range?

7.35–7.45

What does an increased pH signify?

Metabolic alkalosis, loss of gastric fluids, decreased potassium intake, diuretic therapy, fever, salicylate toxicity, respiratory alkalosis, hyperventilation

What does a decreased pH signify?

Metabolic or respiratory acidosis, ketosis, renal failure, starvation, diarrhea, hyperthyroidism

What is the normal PaO2 range?

80–100 mm Hg

What does increased PaO2 signify?

Increased ventilation, oxygen therapy

What does decreased PaO2 signify?

Respiratory depression, high altitude, carbon monoxide poisoning, decreased cardiac output

What is the normal PaCO2 range?

35–45 mm Hg

What does increased PaCO2 signify?

Respiratory acidosis, emphysema, pneumonia, cardiac failure, respiratory depression

What does decreased PaCO2 signify?

Respiratory alkalosis, hyperventilation, diarrhea

What is the normal Bicarbonate (HCO3–) range?

21–28 mEq/L (21–28 mmol/L)

What does increased Bicarbonate (HCO3–) signify?

Metabolic alkalosis, bicarbonate therapy, metabolic compensation for chronic respiratory acidosis

What does decreased Bicarbonate (HCO3–) signify?

Metabolic acidosis, diarrhea, pancreatitis

What is the normal arterial Lactate range?

3–7 mg/dL (0.3–0.8 mmol/L)

What is the normal venous Lactate range?

5-20 mg/dL (0.6-2.2 mmol/L)

What does increased Lactate signify?

Hypoxia, exercise, insulin infusion, alcoholism, pregnancy, dehydration, sepsis

What does decreased Lactate signify?

Fluid overload