82 Questions
Which of the following is the most immediate buffer system in the body?
Protein buffering or circulating blood buffering
What is the normal range for arterial pH in the human body?
7.35 - 7.45
Which of the following buffer systems involves the exchange of bicarbonate ions at the kidneys?
Renal buffering or phosphate buffering
What is the process by which carbon dioxide is eliminated from the body?
Carbonic acid dissociates into water and carbon dioxide, which is then exhaled through the lungs
Which of the following processes is a compensatory mechanism that works closely with renal and protein buffering?
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering
What is the name of the device used by paramedics to monitor carbon dioxide elimination?
Capnograph
Which of the following processes is involved in the exchange of carbon dioxide at the alveolar-capillary interface in the lungs?
Diffusion
What is the Greek origin of the term 'capnography'?
Kapnos, meaning 'smoke'
Which of the following buffer systems is monitored by measuring the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 or EtCO2)?
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering
What is the primary function of maintaining proper acid-base balance in the body?
To regulate the pH of body fluids and sustain life
Which of the following can directly influence acid-base derangements in the body?
Diseases, dehydration, and trauma
What is the relationship between hydrogen concentration and the pH number?
The higher the hydrogen concentration, the lower the pH number
What is the primary function of hydrogen in the body?
To maintain cellular membranes and enzyme activities
What is the relationship between potassium and acid-base balance?
Both potassium imbalances and acid-base imbalances can lead to each other
Which of the following is a major source of acidic by-products in the body?
Cellular metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats
What is the normal pH range for the human body?
7.35 to 7.45
What is the most common cause of metabolic acidosis in ill and injured patients?
Lactic acidosis from cellular metabolism
How does Lactated Ringer's (LR) solution differ from Normal Saline (NS)?
NS exacerbates acidosis by causing hyperchloremic acidosis
Which of the following is NOT a way the body balances acids?
Actions of the liver
Which of the following is NOT a cause of bicarbonate deficit or loss in the body?
Hyperventilation
Which of the following is NOT a cause of acid excess in the body?
Metabolic alkalosis
Which of the following buffer systems in the body acts the quickest?
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering (CO2)
What is the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the body's buffer systems?
CO2 dissolves in water to form H2CO3
What is the primary function of the kidney's actions in the body's acid-base balance?
Excreting excess hydrogen ions (H+)
Which of the following is the most common cause of metabolic acidosis in ill and injured patients?
Lactic acidosis from cellular metabolism
How do Normal Saline (NS) and Lactated Ringer's (LR) solutions differ in their effect on acid-base balance?
NS exacerbates acidosis through hyperchloremic acidosis, while LR assists with less acidosis by providing sodium lactate that is metabolized to bicarbonate.
Which of the following is NOT a way the body balances acids?
Actions of the liver
Which of the following buffer systems in the body acts the quickest?
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering
What is the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the body's buffer systems?
CO2 is converted to H2CO3, which then dissociates into H+ and HCO3- to buffer acids.
Which of the following is a major source of acidic by-products in the body?
Cellular metabolism and the Krebs cycle
What is the primary function of maintaining proper acid-base balance in the body?
To ensure optimal enzyme function and cellular processes
What is the relationship between hydrogen concentration and the pH number?
pH is a logarithmic scale that represents the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion (H+) concentration.
What is the relationship between hydrogen concentration and the pH number?
As hydrogen concentration increases, pH number decreases.
What role do acids play in the body?
Acids lower pH by providing ions (H+).
What is the primary function of the buffer system in the body?
To prevent any changes in pH.
How are carbonic acid and carbon dioxide related in the body?
Carbon dioxide is a by-product of carbonic acid breakdown.
What happens to potassium concentrations in acid-base imbalances?
Potassium imbalances can lead to acid-base imbalances.
Which of the following conditions can influence acid-base derangements?
Dehydration
What is the significance of hydrogen for cellular membranes and enzyme activities?
Hydrogen maintains cellular membranes and enzyme activities.
Why are acid-base balance and pH crucial for life and health?
"They help sustain life by maintaining stability in bodily functions."
What is the primary role of carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering in the body?
Facilitating the exchange of carbon dioxide at the alveolar-capillary interface in the lungs
What is the primary function of waveform capnography in the context of monitoring acid-base balance?
Graphically representing the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (CO2) during expiration
Which of the following processes is involved in the conversion of carbonic acid (H2CO3) into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) during carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering?
Hydrolysis
What is the primary function of renal buffering or phosphate buffering in the body's acid-base balance?
Exchanging bicarbonate ions for hydrogen ions at the kidneys
Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the body's buffer systems?
H2CO3 is formed by the combination of CO2 and water (H2O) in the presence of carbonic anhydrase
Which of the following statements accurately describes the process of protein buffering or circulating blood buffering in the body's acid-base balance?
Plasma proteins neutralize excess hydrogen ions (H+) by donating protons, forming weak acids that are excreted by the kidneys
What is the primary function of the kidneys in the body's acid-base balance?
Excreting excess hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate ions to maintain proper pH levels
Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between potassium and acid-base balance in the body?
Increased potassium levels lead to metabolic acidosis by promoting the retention of hydrogen ions (H+)
What is the primary role of the protein buffering system in maintaining the body's acid-base balance?
To neutralize excess acids through the binding of hydrogen ions to circulating proteins
What is the primary function of the kidneys in regulating the body's acid-base balance?
To excrete hydrogen ions and reabsorb bicarbonate ions
What is the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the body's buffer systems?
CO2 is converted to H2CO3, which then dissociates into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions
Which of the following buffer systems in the body acts the quickest to respond to changes in acid-base balance?
Protein (circulating blood) buffering
What is the relationship between the base excess or base deficit (BE/BD) value and the severity of metabolic acidosis?
The more negative the BE/BD value, the more severe the metabolic acidosis
What is the primary function of waveform capnography in the context of monitoring acid-base balance?
To measure the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in the blood
What is the relationship between potassium and acid-base balance in the body?
Potassium levels are closely linked to the body's ability to maintain proper pH through renal and respiratory mechanisms
What is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis in critically ill and injured patients?
Sepsis
What is the primary mechanism for CO2 transport in the blood?
Renal buffering
Which of the following disorders is NOT commonly associated with elevated levels of ammonia in the body?
Epilepsy
What is the most common cause of acid elimination through protein buffering?
Hemorrhaging
Which component of the nephron is primarily responsible for regulating H+ and HCO3-?
Tubules
In acid-base balance, what is the primary function of the kidneys?
Maintaining electrolyte balance
What is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis in patients with liver diseases?
Cirrhosis
Which buffer system in the body is primarily responsible for maintaining CO2 balance through urine excretion?
Ammonia excretion
What is the function of bicarbonate in the renal system?
Maintaining CO2 levels in the blood
Which of the following conditions is MOST likely to cause respiratory alkalosis?
Altitude acclimation
What is the primary purpose of administering sodium bicarbonate in the treatment of metabolic acidosis?
To directly neutralize excess hydrogen ions and raise the blood pH
What is the relationship between carbon dioxide (CO2) and carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the body's buffer systems?
CO2 and H2CO3 exist in a dynamic equilibrium, with the ratio between the two determined by the partial pressure of CO2.
Which of the following is the primary function of the body's buffer systems in maintaining acid-base balance?
To rapidly neutralize excess hydrogen ions and prevent dramatic changes in pH
How do Normal Saline (NS) and Lactated Ringer's (LR) solutions differ in their effect on acid-base balance?
NS is more acidic and can contribute to metabolic acidosis, while LR is more alkaline and can help correct metabolic acidosis.
What is the primary role of carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering in the body's acid-base balance?
To rapidly neutralize excess hydrogen ions and prevent dramatic changes in pH
Which of the following is the most immediate buffer system in the body for regulating acid-base balance?
Carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering
What is the primary function of maintaining proper acid-base balance in the body?
To ensure optimal cellular function and metabolic processes
Which of the following is a major source of acidic by-products in the body that can contribute to metabolic acidosis?
Cellular respiration
What is the relationship between hydrogen concentration and the pH number?
pH is directly proportional to the logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration, with a higher pH indicating a lower hydrogen ion concentration.
What is the primary role of the respiratory system in acid-base balance?
To regulate the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) by controlling the rate of exhalation
Which of the following is the primary cause of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Buildup of ketone bodies due to impaired glucose metabolism
What is the primary role of the kidneys in acid-base balance?
To reabsorb or excrete bicarbonate ions and hydrogen ions
Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
What is the primary role of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffer system in acid-base balance?
To neutralize excess hydrogen ions by forming carbonic acid
What is the primary cause of lactic acidosis?
Buildup of lactic acid due to tissue hypoxia or impaired cellular respiration
Which of the following is the primary role of the protein buffer system in acid-base balance?
To neutralize excess hydrogen ions by binding them to plasma proteins
Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause metabolic alkalosis?
Prolonged vomiting
Study Notes
Acid-Base Balance and Buffer Systems
- The most immediate buffer system in the body is the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system.
- The normal range for arterial pH in the human body is between 7.35 and 7.45.
- The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating acid-base balance through the exchange of bicarbonate ions.
Buffer Systems and Mechanisms
- The carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system involves the exchange of bicarbonate ions at the kidneys and the buffering of carbon dioxide through the formation of carbonic acid.
- The respiratory system is responsible for eliminating carbon dioxide from the body through exhalation.
- The renal buffering system, also known as phosphate buffering, involves the exchange of hydrogen ions for potassium ions in the kidneys.
- The protein buffering system, also known as circulating blood buffering, involves the buffering of hydrogen ions by proteins in the blood.
Acid-Base Balance and pH
- The relationship between hydrogen concentration and pH is inverse, meaning that an increase in hydrogen concentration results in a decrease in pH.
- The primary function of maintaining proper acid-base balance is to maintain proper pH levels, which is crucial for life and health.
- The normal pH range for the human body is between 7.35 and 7.45.
Compensatory Mechanisms
- Respiratory compensation involves the regulation of carbon dioxide levels through changes in respiratory rate and depth.
- Renal compensation involves the regulation of hydrogen ion levels through changes in bicarbonate ion levels.
- The protein buffering system acts as a compensatory mechanism to regulate acid-base balance.
Devices and Measurements
- The device used by paramedics to monitor carbon dioxide elimination is a capnograph.
- The partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2 or EtCO2) is measured to monitor acid-base balance.
Body Functions and Processes
- The primary function of the kidneys is to maintain proper acid-base balance through the regulation of hydrogen and bicarbonate ions.
- The primary function of the respiratory system is to eliminate carbon dioxide from the body through exhalation.
- The primary function of the protein buffering system is to buffer hydrogen ions in the blood.
- The primary function of the carbonic acid-bicarbonate buffering system is to maintain proper acid-base balance through the regulation of carbon dioxide levels.
Clinical Conditions and Disorders
- Metabolic acidosis is a condition characterized by an increase in hydrogen ion levels, which can be caused by lactic acidosis, diabetic ketoacidosis, and other conditions.
- Respiratory acidosis is a condition characterized by an increase in carbon dioxide levels, which can be caused by respiratory failure.
- Metabolic alkalosis is a condition characterized by a decrease in hydrogen ion levels, which can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, and other conditions.
Treatment and Management
- Sodium bicarbonate is administered to treat metabolic acidosis by increasing bicarbonate ion levels.
- Lactated Ringer's solution is used to treat acid-base imbalance by increasing bicarbonate ion levels and reducing hydrogen ion levels.
- Normal Saline solution is used to treat acid-base imbalance by increasing sodium ion levels and reducing hydrogen ion levels.
Learn about the importance of acid-base balance in the human body, how pH is regulated through buffer systems, and factors influencing acid-base derangements like diseases, dehydration, and shock. Understand the relationship between hydrogen concentration and pH levels.
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