Acid-Base Balance and Regulation
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of H+ ions in the body?

  • Metabolic reaction involving sulfuric acid
  • Cellular ion exchange
  • Reaction involving CO2 and H2O (correct)
  • Protein buffering system

What is the function of the buffering system in the body?

  • To regulate the concentration of K+ ions
  • To eliminate volatile acids from the body
  • To maintain a constant pH by binding excessive H+ or OH- ions (correct)
  • To regulate the concentration of HCO3- ions

What is the fate of nonvolatile metabolic acids in the body?

  • They are neutralized by hydroxide ions
  • They are eliminated through the kidneys through regulation of bicarb (correct)
  • They are buffered by the hemoglobin in plasma
  • They are eliminated through the lungs

What is the significance of the pH range of 6.8-7.8?

<p>Death occurs outside of this range (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to K+ ions in acidosis?

<p>They increase (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the lungs in acid-base balance?

<p>They eliminate volatile acids, such as carbonic acid, as CO2 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis?

<p>Reabsorption of bicarbonate (A), Secretion of H+ in the urine as NH4+ (ammonium) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid at a pH of 7.4?

<p>20:1 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of metabolic alkalosis on the body?

<p>Both A and B (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hyperventilation on the body?

<p>Respiratory alkalosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which the lungs compensate for metabolic acidosis?

<p>Increased ventilation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the normal range for pH in the human body?

<p>7.35-7.45 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the concentration of H+ ions in the body when the pH drops?

<p>The concentration of H+ ions increases. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the concentration of CO2 and the concentration of H+ ions in the bloodstream?

<p>The concentration of CO2 is directly proportional to the concentration of H+ ions. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a type of buffering system that involves the exchange of ions between cells?

<p>Cellular ion exchange buffering system. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?

<p>Elevation of pCO2 due to ventilation depression (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which proteins function as buffers in the body?

<p>By binding to H+ ions through their negative charges (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between respiratory and metabolic alkalosis?

<p>Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, while metabolic alkalosis is caused by excessive loss of metabolic acids (e.g. chloride) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hyperaldosteronism with hypokalemia on acid-base balance?

<p>It leads to metabolic alkalosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of bicarbonate in the regulation of acid-base balance?

<p>To buffer excess H+ ions in the bloodstream (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering and protein buffering?

<p>Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering occurs in the ECF, while protein buffering occurs in the ICF with Hgb and in the ECF (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of hyperaldosteronism with hypokalemia on acid-base balance?

<p>It leads to metabolic alkalosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of respiratory and renal buffering mechanisms in maintaining stable pH levels in the body?

<p>They support and complement the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system by adjusting CO2 levels and ion concentrations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What kind of buffering mechanisms directly involve the equilibrium between H2CO3, HCO3^-, and H^+?

<p>Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary extracellular buffer system in the human body?

<p>Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the formation of carbonic acid when the partial pressure of CO2 increases?

<p>It increases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the end products of protein, carbs, and fat metabolism?

<p>Acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is pH a measure of?

<p>The negative log of the H+ ion concentration (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between bicarbonate and chloride?

<p>Bicarbonate is inversely proportional to chloride (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the chloride shift?

<p>The movement of chloride ions out of red blood cells in exchange for bicarbonate ions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is renal compensation in relation to acid-base balance?

<p>Producing acidic or alkaline urine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of metabolic acidosis?

<p>Depression of bicarbonate levels or an elevation in noncarbonic acids (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the compensation mechanism for metabolic acidosis?

<p>Hyperventilation and renal excretion of excess acid (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the anion gap used for?

<p>Diagnosing and monitoring metabolic acidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the possible causes of metabolic acidosis with a high anion gap?

<p>Diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, and toxic ingestions (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the major cause of metabolic acidosis with a normal anion gap (hyperchloremic - bicarb loss)?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does excess vomiting cause metabolic alkalosis?

<p>All of the above (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do hypermetabolic states result in respiratory alkalosis?

<p>Increase in CO2 production secondary to increased metabolism stimulates the respiratory center, leading to rapid breathing and increased exhalation of CO2 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are mixed acid-base disorders?

<p>Disorders that involve a combination of metabolic and respiratory acid-base disturbances (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of mixed acid-base disorders in terms of compensation?

<p>Compensation occurs with alteration in PaCO2 and bicarbonate with a normal pH (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of acidosis on the potency of local anesthetics?

<p>It decreases their potency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of acid-base disorder is caused by salicylate intoxication and high altitudes?

<p>Respiratory alkalosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary treatment for metabolic alkalosis?

<p>Administer sodium chloride (A), Administer potassium chloride (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the MUDPILES pneumonic stand for to recall the common causes of high anion gap acidosis?

<p>M - Methanol, U - Uremia, D - Diabetic ketoacidosis, P - Propylene glycol, I - Iron, L - Lactic acidosis, E - Ethylene glycol, S - Salicylates (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a normal situation, which statement is true about anions and cations?

<p>Anions should equal cations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which metabolic acidosis causes a decrease in pH?

<p>Noncarbonic acids increase or bicarbonate is lost from the ECF and cannot be regenerated by the kidney (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can carbonic acid be eliminated?

<p>As CO2 in the lungs (B), As bicarbonate and hydrogen in the kidneys (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When CO2 diffuses into RBCs, what is the resulting product?

<p>H2CO3 (carbonic acid) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Carbonic acid in RBCs dissociates into what products?

<p>H+ and HCO3- (bicarb) (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are H+ and bicarbonate buffered in RBCs?

<p>Bicarb moves out of the cell into plasma and is exchanged for Cl- (A), Hemoglobin acts as a buffer by accepting H+ ions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is pH?

pH is a measure of hydrogen ion (H+) concentration in a solution. It is a logarithmic scale where each unit change represents a tenfold difference in H+ concentration. A lower pH indicates a higher H+ concentration, resulting in a more acidic solution.

Why is acid-base balance important?

Acid-base balance is the process of maintaining a stable pH within the body's fluids, typically within a narrow range of 7.35 to 7.45. This balance is crucial for proper bodily function, as extreme pH shifts can disrupt cellular processes and even lead to death.

What's the difference between an acid and a base?

Acids are substances that release hydrogen ions (H+) in solution, lowering the pH and making the solution more acidic. Bases are substances that accept H+ ions, raising the pH and making the solution more alkaline.

Where do the acids in our bodies come from?

The human body produces acids as byproducts of metabolic processes. These acids can include carbonic acid (H2CO3), lactic acid, and various organic acids.

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What role do buffers play in acid-base balance?

The body maintains acid-base balance primarily through the action of buffers, which readily absorb or release H+ ions, mitigating significant pH changes. A weak acid and its conjugate base are common components of a buffer system.

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What is the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system?

The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system is a major player in maintaining acid-base balance. This system is composed of carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-), working together to prevent significant pH alterations. This system efficiently removes excess CO2 via the lungs.

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How do the lungs regulate acid-base balance?

Lungs play a critical role in respiratory buffering. By adjusting ventilation rate, they can influence the level of CO2 in the blood, thereby impacting the ratio of carbonic acid and bicarbonate. Increased ventilation expels CO2, leading to a decrease in carbonic acid and a more alkaline pH. Conversely, reduced ventilation increases CO2, making the blood more acidic.

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How do the kidneys regulate acid-base balance?

The kidneys are crucial for renal buffering. They filter blood, reabsorb bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and secrete excess H+ ions (H+) into the urine. This process helps maintain a proper pH balance.

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How do proteins contribute to acid-base balance?

Protein buffering involves proteins within the body, which can bind or release H+ ions. Hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells, plays a significant role in buffering blood pH changes.

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What is acidosis?

Acidosis is a condition where the blood pH falls below 7.35, indicating an excess of acid in the body. The causes can be either metabolic, where the production of acid is excessive, or respiratory, where inadequate carbon dioxide removal from the lungs creates an acidic condition.

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What is alkalosis?

Alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH rises above 7.45, indicating a decrease in acid or an excess of base in the body. Like acidosis, alkalosis can be metabolic, related to body processes, or respiratory, related to breathing patterns.

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What is respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory acidosis occurs when the body fails to effectively remove carbon dioxide from the lungs, resulting in a build-up of CO2 and a decrease in blood pH. This can be caused by pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions.

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What is respiratory alkalosis?

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the body expels too much carbon dioxide through rapid breathing (hyperventilation), causing a decrease in CO2 and an increase in blood pH. This can be triggered by anxiety, pain, or certain medications.

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What is metabolic acidosis?

Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body accumulates excessive amounts of non-carbonic acids or loses too many bicarbonate ions, leading to a decrease in blood pH.

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What is metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when the body loses too much acid or gains excessive bicarbonate, leading to an increase in blood pH. Causes include excessive vomiting, gastric suction, or diuretic use.

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What are some causes of metabolic alkalosis?

Prolonged vomiting, gastric suctioning, and excessive bicarbonate intake can lead to metabolic alkalosis. The body loses essential metabolic acids (like chloride) through these processes, resulting in an increase in bicarbonate levels and a higher blood pH.

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What are some signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis?

The body's response to metabolic acidosis often includes weakness, muscle cramps, and hyperactive reflexes due to a decrease in calcium levels. This is because acidosis can displace calcium from its binding sites, leading to hypocalcemia.

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How is metabolic acidosis treated?

Treatment for metabolic acidosis involves correcting the underlying cause and restoring the balance of electrolytes. This can include administering sodium chloride, potassium, and chloride, depending on the specific electrolyte imbalances.

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How can diet impact acid-base balance?

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for healthy acid-base balance. Consuming adequate fluids and fresh fruits and vegetables is important. Avoiding excessive processed foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol can help preserve acid-base balance.

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How does exercise impact acid-base balance?

Regular exercise promotes healthy breathing, helping regulate CO2 levels and influencing acid-base balance. Adequate cardiovascular exercise improves circulation and organ function, aiding in the removal of metabolic waste and acid byproducts.

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How does stress impact acid-base balance?

Stress can have a profound impact on acid-base balance. Prolonged stress can lead to increased acid production, potentially leading to a state of acidosis. Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help mitigate stress-induced acid buildup.

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Study Notes

Acid-Base Balance

  • pH is the negative log of the H+ ion concentration
  • To maintain the body's normal pH, H+ must be neutralized by bicarb or excreted
  • Bone, lungs, and kidneys are involved in the regulation of acid-base balance

Acids and Bases

  • Acids are end products of protein, carbs, and fat metabolism
  • pH below 6.8 is fatal, above 7.8 is fatal
  • pH = -[logH+]
  • Acid-base balance is mainly concerned with H+ and HCO3-

Carbonic Acid and Bicarbonate Buffering

  • Carbonic acid is volatile and can be eliminated as CO2 in lungs
  • CO2 diffuses into the bloodstream, reacting with H2O to form H2CO3
  • The ratio of bicarb to carbonic acid is 20:1 at pH 7.4
  • Lungs can decrease carbonic acid, while kidneys can reabsorb or regenerate bicarb
  • Bicarb is inversely proportional with chloride

Buffering Systems

  • Buffer = chemical that can bind excessive H+ or OH- without a significant change in pH
  • Buffer system is located in ICF and ECF
  • Consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base
  • 4 types of buffering systems: carbonic acid-bicarbonate, protein buffering, respiratory/renal buffering, and cellular ion exchange

Protein Buffering

  • Proteins have negative charges and can buffer H+
  • Mainly intracellular buffer with hemoglobin

Respiratory and Renal Buffering

  • Respiratory buffering: academia causes increased ventilation, while alkalosis slows respirations
  • Renal buffering: secretion of H+ in urine and reabsorption of bicarb, dibasic phosphate, and ammonia

Cellular Ion Exchange Buffering

  • Exchange of K+ for H+ in acidosis and alkalosis
  • Important in maintaining acid-base balance

Acid-Base Imbalances

  • Acidosis: pH < 7.35, due to systemic increase in H+ or excess acid
  • Alkalosis: pH > 7.45, due to systemic decrease in H+ or excess base

Types of Acid-Base Imbalances

  • Respiratory acidosis: elevation of pCO2 due to ventilation depression
  • Respiratory alkalosis: depression of pCO2 due to hyperventilation
  • Metabolic acidosis: depression of bicarb or an elevation in noncarbonic acids
  • Metabolic alkalosis: elevation of bicarb usually due to excessive loss of metabolic acids

Metabolic Acidosis

  • Causes: prolonged vomiting, gastric suctioning, excessive bicarb intake, hyperaldosteronism with hypokalemia, diuretic therapy
  • Bicarb is increased due to excessive loss of metabolic acids (e.g. chloride)
  • Manifestations: weakness, muscle cramps, hyperactive reflexes with signs of hypocalcemia
  • Treatment: sodium chloride, potassium, chloride

Acid-Base Balance

  • pH is the negative log of the H+ ion concentration
  • To maintain the body's normal pH, H+ must be neutralized by bicarb or excreted
  • Bone, lungs, and kidneys are involved in the regulation of acid-base balance

Acids and Bases

  • Acids are end products of protein, carbs, and fat metabolism
  • pH below 6.8 is fatal, above 7.8 is fatal
  • pH = -[logH+]
  • Acid-base balance is mainly concerned with H+ and HCO3-

Carbonic Acid and Bicarbonate Buffering

  • Carbonic acid is volatile and can be eliminated as CO2 in lungs
  • CO2 diffuses into the bloodstream, reacting with H2O to form H2CO3
  • The ratio of bicarb to carbonic acid is 20:1 at pH 7.4
  • Lungs can decrease carbonic acid, while kidneys can reabsorb or regenerate bicarb
  • Bicarb is inversely proportional with chloride

Buffering Systems

  • Buffer = chemical that can bind excessive H+ or OH- without a significant change in pH
  • Buffer system is located in ICF and ECF
  • Consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base
  • 4 types of buffering systems: carbonic acid-bicarbonate, protein buffering, respiratory/renal buffering, and cellular ion exchange

Protein Buffering

  • Proteins have negative charges and can buffer H+
  • Mainly intracellular buffer with hemoglobin

Respiratory and Renal Buffering

  • Respiratory buffering: academia causes increased ventilation, while alkalosis slows respirations
  • Renal buffering: secretion of H+ in urine and reabsorption of bicarb, dibasic phosphate, and ammonia

Cellular Ion Exchange Buffering

  • Exchange of K+ for H+ in acidosis and alkalosis
  • Important in maintaining acid-base balance

Acid-Base Imbalances

  • Acidosis: pH < 7.35, due to systemic increase in H+ or excess acid
  • Alkalosis: pH > 7.45, due to systemic decrease in H+ or excess base

Types of Acid-Base Imbalances

  • Respiratory acidosis: elevation of pCO2 due to ventilation depression
  • Respiratory alkalosis: depression of pCO2 due to hyperventilation
  • Metabolic acidosis: depression of bicarb or an elevation in noncarbonic acids
  • Metabolic alkalosis: elevation of bicarb usually due to excessive loss of metabolic acids

Metabolic Acidosis

  • Causes: prolonged vomiting, gastric suctioning, excessive bicarb intake, hyperaldosteronism with hypokalemia, diuretic therapy
  • Bicarb is increased due to excessive loss of metabolic acids (e.g. chloride)
  • Manifestations: weakness, muscle cramps, hyperactive reflexes with signs of hypocalcemia
  • Treatment: sodium chloride, potassium, chloride

Acid-Base Balance

  • pH is the negative log of the H+ ion concentration
  • To maintain the body's normal pH, H+ must be neutralized by bicarb or excreted
  • Bone, lungs, and kidneys are involved in the regulation of acid-base balance

Acids and Bases

  • Acids are end products of protein, carbs, and fat metabolism
  • pH below 6.8 is fatal, above 7.8 is fatal
  • pH = -[logH+]
  • Acid-base balance is mainly concerned with H+ and HCO3-

Carbonic Acid and Bicarbonate Buffering

  • Carbonic acid is volatile and can be eliminated as CO2 in lungs
  • CO2 diffuses into the bloodstream, reacting with H2O to form H2CO3
  • The ratio of bicarb to carbonic acid is 20:1 at pH 7.4
  • Lungs can decrease carbonic acid, while kidneys can reabsorb or regenerate bicarb
  • Bicarb is inversely proportional with chloride

Buffering Systems

  • Buffer = chemical that can bind excessive H+ or OH- without a significant change in pH
  • Buffer system is located in ICF and ECF
  • Consists of a weak acid and its conjugate base
  • 4 types of buffering systems: carbonic acid-bicarbonate, protein buffering, respiratory/renal buffering, and cellular ion exchange

Protein Buffering

  • Proteins have negative charges and can buffer H+
  • Mainly intracellular buffer with hemoglobin

Respiratory and Renal Buffering

  • Respiratory buffering: academia causes increased ventilation, while alkalosis slows respirations
  • Renal buffering: secretion of H+ in urine and reabsorption of bicarb, dibasic phosphate, and ammonia

Cellular Ion Exchange Buffering

  • Exchange of K+ for H+ in acidosis and alkalosis
  • Important in maintaining acid-base balance

Acid-Base Imbalances

  • Acidosis: pH < 7.35, due to systemic increase in H+ or excess acid
  • Alkalosis: pH > 7.45, due to systemic decrease in H+ or excess base

Types of Acid-Base Imbalances

  • Respiratory acidosis: elevation of pCO2 due to ventilation depression
  • Respiratory alkalosis: depression of pCO2 due to hyperventilation
  • Metabolic acidosis: depression of bicarb or an elevation in noncarbonic acids
  • Metabolic alkalosis: elevation of bicarb usually due to excessive loss of metabolic acids

Metabolic Acidosis

  • Causes: prolonged vomiting, gastric suctioning, excessive bicarb intake, hyperaldosteronism with hypokalemia, diuretic therapy
  • Bicarb is increased due to excessive loss of metabolic acids (e.g. chloride)
  • Manifestations: weakness, muscle cramps, hyperactive reflexes with signs of hypocalcemia
  • Treatment: sodium chloride, potassium, chloride

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Description

This quiz covers the concepts of acid-base balance, pH regulation, and the roles of different organs in maintaining the body's normal pH. It also touches on the basics of acids and bases, and carbonic acid and bicarbonate buffering.

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