Acid-Base Balance and Electrolyte Disorders

This set of flashcards covers the vocabulary and core concepts related to acid-base balance, electrolyte disorders, and the physiological responses to metabolic and respiratory disturbances as outlined in the lecture.

Acid-base balance

The body's process of maintaining the correct balance of acidic and basic compounds to ensure blood homeostasis, primarily regulated by the kidneys and lungs.

pH scale

A measurement scale for acid and alkaline levels where increased acidity causes levels to fall and increased alkaline causes levels to rise.

Acidosis

A condition occurring when levels of acid in the blood are too high, characterized by a pH level of $< 7.35$.

Alkalosis

A condition occurring when the blood is too alkaline, characterized by a pH level of $> 7.45$.

Respiratory Acidosis

An acid-base disturbance caused by a problem with the lungs, such as severe chronic lung disease, resulting in a low blood pH and a compensatory increase of acid excretion in the urine.

Metabolic Acidosis

An acid-base disturbance caused by kidney problems or increased acid production (e.g., diabetic ketoacidosis), resulting in low blood pH and low $[HCO_3]$. It is compensated for by an increased breathing rate to expel $CO_2$.

Respiratory Alkalosis

A condition caused by hyperventilation (e.g., due to anxiety) that raises blood pH, which the body compensates for by increasing the excretion of alkali in the urine.

Metabolic Alkalosis

A condition caused by factors like the loss of stomach acid due to vomiting, leading to a high blood pH and increased $[HCO_3]$. It is compensated for by a decreased breathing rate to retain $CO_2$.

Bicarbonate ($HCO_3$)

A basic compound that the kidneys retain or lose to compensate for respiratory acid-base disturbances.

Hydrogen ($H^+$)

The ion that determines acidity; acidic solutions have a higher concentration of these ions.

Electrolytes

Minerals present in blood, bodily fluids, and tissues that possess an electric charge and assist cells in working efficiently by balancing water levels, delivering nutrients, and eliminating waste.

Intracellular Fluid (ICF)

Fluid found inside the cell membrane comprising the cytosol; it contains high concentrations of potassium ions and low concentrations of sodium ions, making up $55\%$ of body water.

Extracellular Fluid (ECF)

Fluid found outside the cell comprising plasma, tissue fluid, and transcellular fluid; it contains high concentrations of sodium ions and low concentrations of potassium ions, making up $45\%$ of body water.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

A hormone involved in the regulation of electrolyte balance, alongside the hypothalamus and kidneys.

Aldosterone

A mineralocorticoid hormone that plays a role in regulating electrolyte balance.

Parathyroid Hormone (PTH)

A hormone used by the body to regulate electrolyte balance.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A hyperglycemic crisis appearing in patients with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus where the breakdown of fat produces ketones, leading to metabolic acidosis and dehydration.

Kussmaul respirations

Deep breathing exhibited by patients to compensate for metabolic acidosis, often seen in cases of Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Anion gap

A diagnostic assessment used in the evaluation of acid-base and electrolyte disorders.

Osmotic diuresis

A process caused by hyperglycemia in DKA that leads to the loss of water and electrolytes, resulting in dehydration and impaired renal function.