Acid-Base Balance Quiz

Acid-Base Balance

• Our bodies maintain a delicate balance between acids and bases for proper function. This is similar to balancing on a tightrope.
• This balance is crucial for all metabolic activities in the body to function properly.
• pH is a measure of acidity or alkalinity. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral (like pure water). Values below 7 are acidic, and above 7 are basic (or alkaline).
• Blood pH ideally stays between 7.35 and 7.45.
• Acidosis occurs when there's too much acid (H+), lowering the pH below 7.35.
• Alkalosis occurs when there's too little acid (H+), raising the pH above 7.45.

pH Levels

• pH is a special number indicating whether a substance is an acid, a base, or neutral.
• The pH scale measures the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+).

Types of Acid-Base Disorders

• Respiratory: Problems with breathing and handling carbon dioxide (CO2).
  • CO2 is an acidic component in the blood, produced by the lungs during respiration.
  • The body regulates CO2 levels through breathing.
• Metabolic: Problems with other bodily functions, such as how the kidneys process components.
  • Bicarbonate (HCO3-) is a base component of the blood, helping to neutralize acids.
  • The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining base levels.

Measuring pH

• PCO2: Measures the level of carbon dioxide in the blood, indicating respiratory function. Normal range is 35-45 mmHg.
• HCO3-: Measures the level of bicarbonate in the blood, reflecting the metabolic component. Normal range is 22-26 mEq/L.
• Arterial blood gases are a measurement of the blood's pH, PCO2, and HCO3-, providing insights into acid-base balance.

Maintaining Normal pH

• Buffers: Substances, like proteins (hemoglobin and albumin), that react with excess acids or bases to minimize changes in pH similar to sponges.
• Lungs: Remove CO2 (an acid) when we breathe out.
• Kidneys: Remove acids or bases in urine (pee).

Causes and Symptoms of Respiratory Acidosis

• Cause: Breathing too slowly or shallowly (hypoventilation), lung conditions (COPD, pneumonia), or muscle weakness affecting breathing.
• Symptoms: Headache, confusion, and sleepiness.

Causes and Symptoms of Respiratory Alkalosis

• Cause: Breathing too rapidly or deeply (hyperventilation), often due to anxiety.
• Symptoms: Feeling dizzy, numbness, and tingling, and trouble concentrating.

Causes and Symptoms of Metabolic Acidosis

• Causes: The body producing too much acid, or not being able to remove it adequately (e.g., lactic acid from strenuous exercise, ketoacidosis in diabetes, kidney problems).
• Symptoms: Feeling tired, confusion, and fast breathing.

Causes and Symptoms of Metabolic Alkalosis

• Causes: The body losing excess acid (e.g., vomiting, or overuse of certain medications).
• Symptoms: Muscle cramps, confusion, and dizziness.

Importance of pH Balance

• pH imbalance can lead to serious health issues.
• Maintaining proper pH levels is essential for the operation of bodily functions.

Diagnosing Acid-Base Imbalances

• Recognizing deviations in blood pH, PCO2, and HCO3- is key for determining the type of imbalance (respiratory or metabolic).

Mixed Acid-Base Imbalances

• Simultaneous respiratory and metabolic imbalances can occur, impacting the compensation mechanisms used by the body.
• Often these imbalances are observed during severe medical conditions.