Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the haemoglobin buffer system, what happens to oxygen as hydrogen ions bind to haemoglobin?
In the haemoglobin buffer system, what happens to oxygen as hydrogen ions bind to haemoglobin?
- Oxygen is released to the peripheral tissues. (correct)
- Oxygen is converted into carbon dioxide.
- Oxygen binds more strongly to haemoglobin.
- Haemoglobin's structure is unchanged.
Which of the following conditions leads to metabolic acidosis due to excessive production of organic acids?
Which of the following conditions leads to metabolic acidosis due to excessive production of organic acids?
- Excessive artificial ventilation.
- Severe diarrhea.
- Diabetic ketoacidosis. (correct)
- Renal failure.
A patient with severe emphysema is likely to develop which acid-base disturbance?
A patient with severe emphysema is likely to develop which acid-base disturbance?
- Metabolic acidosis.
- Respiratory acidosis. (correct)
- Metabolic alkalosis.
- Respiratory alkalosis.
Which of the following is a typical cause of metabolic alkalosis?
Which of the following is a typical cause of metabolic alkalosis?
Rapid, deep inspiration due to hysterical overbreathing can result in:
Rapid, deep inspiration due to hysterical overbreathing can result in:
How does prolonged vomiting lead to metabolic alkalosis?
How does prolonged vomiting lead to metabolic alkalosis?
What is the primary abnormality in respiratory acidosis?
What is the primary abnormality in respiratory acidosis?
In the context of acid-base balance, what does the anion gap represent?
In the context of acid-base balance, what does the anion gap represent?
Which of the following best explains how the bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffer system minimizes pH changes when an acid is introduced?
Which of the following best explains how the bicarbonate/carbonic acid buffer system minimizes pH changes when an acid is introduced?
Why is carbonic acid (H2CO3) considered a weak acid in the context of buffer systems?
Why is carbonic acid (H2CO3) considered a weak acid in the context of buffer systems?
If the arterial blood pH of a patient is measured to be 7.2, which of the following conditions is the patient likely experiencing?
If the arterial blood pH of a patient is measured to be 7.2, which of the following conditions is the patient likely experiencing?
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between pH and H+ concentration in a solution?
Which statement accurately describes the relationship between pH and H+ concentration in a solution?
In the protein buffer system, which component plays a crucial role in binding hydrogen ions (H+)?
In the protein buffer system, which component plays a crucial role in binding hydrogen ions (H+)?
What is the primary reason why venous blood typically has a lower pH (more acidic) than arterial blood?
What is the primary reason why venous blood typically has a lower pH (more acidic) than arterial blood?
A patient with diabetes is experiencing ketoacidosis, leading to a significant drop in blood pH. Which compensatory mechanism is the body most likely to employ first to counteract this condition?
A patient with diabetes is experiencing ketoacidosis, leading to a significant drop in blood pH. Which compensatory mechanism is the body most likely to employ first to counteract this condition?
A laboratory technician accidentally mixes a strong acid with a buffer solution. What is the most likely outcome regarding the buffer's components?
A laboratory technician accidentally mixes a strong acid with a buffer solution. What is the most likely outcome regarding the buffer's components?
Flashcards
Haemoglobin buffer system
Haemoglobin buffer system
A system that helps maintain pH by binding H+ ions.
Acidosis
Acidosis
Condition where blood pH decreases below normal due to excess H+ ions.
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Acidosis
Loss of bicarbonate (HCO3-) leading to decreased pH.
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Acidosis
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Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
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Respiratory Alkalosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
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Anion gap
Anion gap
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Diabetic ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis
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Acid
Acid
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Base
Base
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Buffer
Buffer
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Normal blood pH
Normal blood pH
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Acidemia
Acidemia
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Alkalemia
Alkalemia
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Bicarbonate buffer system
Bicarbonate buffer system
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Protein buffer system
Protein buffer system
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Study Notes
Acid-Base Balance
- Acid: A substance releasing protons (hydrogen ions, H+). Examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).
- Base: A substance accepting hydrogen ions or releasing hydroxyl ions (OH-). Examples include bicarbonate ion (HCO₃⁻) and HPO₄²⁻.
- Buffer: A solution containing a weak acid and its conjugate base. These resist changes in pH when acid or base is added. An example is a solution of carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) and bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻).
Acid-Base Balance in the Body
- Arterial Blood pH: Normal is 7.4.
- Venous and Interstitial Fluid pH: Slightly lower than arterial, around 7.35, due to increased CO₂.
- pH Range for Blood: Maintained between 7.35 and 7.45.
- Acidemia: Arterial blood pH below 7.35.
- Alkalemia: Arterial blood pH above 7.45.
Regulation of Blood pH
- Three Systems: Buffer, respiratory, and renal mechanisms.
Bicarbonate/Carbonic Acid Buffer System
- H₂CO₃ (Carbonic Acid): A weak acid as it does not completely dissociate into H+ and HCO₃⁻ ions. Strong acids completely dissociate.
- HCO₃⁻ (Bicarbonate): Combines with H+ from added acids to form H₂CO₃, and with OH⁻ from added bases to form H₂O and HCO₃⁻. These reactions limit pH change.
Disturbances of Acid-Base Balance
- Metabolic Acidosis: Loss of bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) from the body or increase in acids.
- Diabetes Ketoacidosis: Production of organic acids (acetoacetic and beta-hydroxybutyric acids) exceeds rate of elimination.
- Lactic acidosis: Production of lactic acid exceeds elimination rate.
- Renal failure: Reduced excretion of acid (H⁺) ion.
- Renal tubular acidosis: Excessive renal bicarbonate loss.
- Severe diarrhea: Loss of bicarbonate in duodenal fluids.
- Respiratory Acidosis: Increased CO₂ retention.
- COPD: (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) like emphysema
- Severe pneumonia
- Asthma
- Depression of respiratory system due to diseases like CNS infections or drugs
- Metabolic Alkalosis: Increased bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) in the body.
- **Hypokalemia:**Potassium (K⁺) moves from cells into extracellular fluid. H⁺ moves from extracellular fluid into cells to maintain electroneutrality.
- Prolonged vomiting or nasogastric suction: HCL loss leads to hypochloremic alkalosis.
- Respiratory Alkalosis: Reduced CO₂ levels.
- Hysterical or rapid breathing
- Hypoxia (low oxygen)
- Pulmonary edema
- Ventilator use
Anion Gap
- Definition: Difference between total measured cations (Na⁺, K⁺) and measured anions (Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻).
- Normal Range: Typically 15-20 mEq/L.
Laboratory findings in acid-base disturbances
| Condition | pH | PCO₂ | HCO₃⁻ | HCO₃⁻/H₂CO₃ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 7.4 ± 0.05 | 40 mm Hg | 20 mm Hg | 20 |
| Metabolic Acidosis | Decreased | Normal/Decreased | Decreased | Decreased |
| Metabolic Alkalosis | Increased | Normal/Increased | Increased | Increased |
| Respiratory Acidosis | Decreased | Increased | Normal/Decreased | Decreased |
| Respiratory Alkalosis | Increased | Decreased | Normal/Increased | Increased |
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