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Questions and Answers
What is the condition called when the pH of the blood is below 7.35?
What is the condition called when the pH of the blood is below 7.35?
Acidosis
What is the condition called when the pH of the blood is above 7.45?
What is the condition called when the pH of the blood is above 7.45?
Alkalosis
A pH of 7 is considered acidic.
A pH of 7 is considered acidic.
False (B)
What is the normal range for blood pH?
What is the normal range for blood pH?
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What is the normal range for PCO2 in the blood?
What is the normal range for PCO2 in the blood?
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What are the two main types of acid-base disorders?
What are the two main types of acid-base disorders?
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of respiratory acidosis?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of respiratory acidosis?
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What is the most common treatment for respiratory acidosis?
What is the most common treatment for respiratory acidosis?
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Which of the following is a cause of respiratory alkalosis?
Which of the following is a cause of respiratory alkalosis?
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Which of the following is a cause of metabolic acidosis?
Which of the following is a cause of metabolic acidosis?
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Which of the following is NOT a symptom of metabolic acidosis?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom of metabolic acidosis?
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What is the anion gap?
What is the anion gap?
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The kidneys can adjust pH balance by adjusting levels of H+ and HCO3- in the blood.
The kidneys can adjust pH balance by adjusting levels of H+ and HCO3- in the blood.
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What are some examples of buffers in the body?
What are some examples of buffers in the body?
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Bones can release minerals to help maintain pH balance.
Bones can release minerals to help maintain pH balance.
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The heart and muscles are not affected by changes in potassium levels.
The heart and muscles are not affected by changes in potassium levels.
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What are mixed acid-base imbalances?
What are mixed acid-base imbalances?
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What are some examples of mixed acid-base imbalances?
What are some examples of mixed acid-base imbalances?
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The lungs can fix big pH imbalances by themselves.
The lungs can fix big pH imbalances by themselves.
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Which of the following is NOT a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?
Which of the following is NOT a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?
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Which of the following is true about the bicarbonate/carbonic acid equation?
Which of the following is true about the bicarbonate/carbonic acid equation?
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Changes in breathing patterns are often used to compensate for acid-base imbalances.
Changes in breathing patterns are often used to compensate for acid-base imbalances.
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Kidney function is not affected by acid-base imbalances.
Kidney function is not affected by acid-base imbalances.
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What is the primary function of bone buffers?
What is the primary function of bone buffers?
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What is the main function of the H+/K+ exchange mechanism?
What is the main function of the H+/K+ exchange mechanism?
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Only respiratory acidosis occurs in lung disorders.
Only respiratory acidosis occurs in lung disorders.
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Only metabolic acidosis occurs in kidney disorders.
Only metabolic acidosis occurs in kidney disorders.
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Acidosis always occurs when there is too much acid in the blood.
Acidosis always occurs when there is too much acid in the blood.
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Alkalosis always occurs when there is too much base in the blood.
Alkalosis always occurs when there is too much base in the blood.
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Changes in potassium levels can only affect muscle function.
Changes in potassium levels can only affect muscle function.
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Acid-base imbalances only occur in individuals with health problems.
Acid-base imbalances only occur in individuals with health problems.
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It is always possible to completely prevent acid-base imbalances.
It is always possible to completely prevent acid-base imbalances.
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Acid-base imbalances are always life-threatening.
Acid-base imbalances are always life-threatening.
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Test your understanding of acid-base balance in the human body. This quiz covers pH levels, metabolic processes, and various acid-base disorders. Learn the critical roles these concepts play in maintaining health and proper bodily function.
