electrolytes and acid base status

electrolytes

• negative ions (anions) and positive ions (cations)

• found in all body fluids

• function to maintain water balance, fluid osmotic pressure, and normal muscular and nervous functions

• maintain and activate several enzyme systems and in acid base regulation

Acid base balance

• refers to the steady state of pH of the body

• every change on the pH scale of 1 number is a power of 10 difference in H+ concentration

• if pH falls outside balanced range, proteins are diminished or destroyed

• Both respiratory and renal systems work to regulate pH and acid-base imbalance

Above or below acceptable pH range

• below 7.3 = acidosis (excess H+)

• Above 7.4 = alkalosis (low H+)

Acidosis and alkalosi

• Categorized by the cause (respiratory or metabolic)

• Respiratory acidosis or alkalosis - abnormalities in the respiratory system

• metabolic acidosis or alkalosis - all causes other than the respiratory system

Buffers

• bicarbonate

• potassium

• proteins

CO2 buildup

• can cause patient to become acidotic

  • CO2 should be thought of as an acid

electrolyte assays

• arterial samples are ideal for analysis of electrolytes and blood gases

  • Analyze immediately

Sodium

• hypernatremia- elevated sodium levels

  • dehydration and hyperventilation

• hyponatremia - decreased sodium levels

  • vomiting, diarrhea, ketonuria, addisons, CHF

Potassium

• hyperkalemia - increased K+ levels

  • metabolic acidosis, urinary obstruction, renal disease

• hypokalemia - decreased K+ levels

  • Ketonuria and diuresis

Magnesium

• cattle and sheep only animals that show clinical signs related to Mg deficiencies

• hypomagnesia

  • grassy tetney

  • nervousness, appetite suppression, depression, irritability

Chloride

• hyperchloremia - elevated chloride levels

  • kidney disease, diarrhea, diabetes

• hypochloremia - decreased chloride levels

  • respiratory acidosis, vomiting, whipworm infection

• chloride always follows sodium

Buffer systems

• work to counteract imbalance

• alter the H+ concentration

• work both intracellularly and extracellularly