Acid-Base Compensation Quiz

Which condition is characterized by a primary problem of low H2CO3?

What triggers the physiological response of increased HCO3- reabsorption in respiratory acidosis?

Which of the following is a common cause of metabolic acidosis?

In which condition would you expect a decrease in [HCO3-] reabsorption as a physiological response?

The primary disorder in metabolic alkalosis involves?

Which buffering system is primarily involved in metabolic acidosis?

The physiological response to metabolic acidosis includes which of the following?

What role do H+ pumps play in metabolic alkalosis?

Which of the following is NOT a common cause of respiratory acidosis?

What is the primary biochemical response to excess H2CO3 in respiratory acidosis?

What is the primary problem in respiratory alkalosis?

In metabolic acidosis, which physiological response helps to compensate for the acid excess?

Which buffering system is implicated in the compensation for respiratory acidosis?

What physiological change occurs as a compensatory response to metabolic alkalosis?

What is a common cause of metabolic alkalosis?

Acid-Base Compensation

Acidemia: pH less than 7.40
Alkalemia: pH over 7.40
Respiratory or metabolic imbalances

Simple A-B Disorders

Hypercapnia (resp. acidosis): Increased CO2, resulting in decreased pH.
Hypocapnia (resp. alkalosis): Decreased CO2, resulting in increased pH.
Metabolic acidosis: Excess non-carbonic acid, resulting in decreased pH.
Metabolic alkalosis: Loss of non-carbonic acid or addition of HCO3-, resulting in increased pH.

Compensation

The body's response to acid-base disorders.
Diagnosis: Arterial blood sample (pH, pCO2, [HCO3−]).
Diagnosis tools: Davenport diagram.
Solid arrows: Indicate primary disorder.
Dashed arrows: Indicate compensation.
Increased carbonic anhydrase (CA), pCO2, and HCO3−: Filtered increase in HCO3− reabsorption.

Respiratory Acidosis (Hypercapnia)

Primary problem: Excess H2CO3, buffered by Hgb-Im
Bicarbonate (buffering): Increase in [HCO3−].
Physiological response: Kidneys reabsorb more HCO3−, secrete more NH4+.
Common causes: Asthma, COPD, obesity, sedatives, narcotics.

Respiratory Alkalosis (Hypocapnia)

Primary problem: Low H2CO3.
Biochemical response: Decreased H2CO3, leading to less buffering by bicarbonate.
Cells increase lactic acid production (LA + HCO3− ←→ CO2 + H2O): generates CO2.
Physiological response: Less HCO3− reabsorption and less NH4+ secretion.
Common causes: Early-phase asthma and anxiety.

Metabolic Acidosis

Primary problem: Excess non-carbonic acid.
Sources: Addition via metabolism or loss of alkaline fluid (base).
Buffering: NaHCO3.
Physiological response: Increased ventilation and acid excretion.
Common causes: Diarrhea, ketoacidosis (diabetic).

Metabolic Alkalosis

Primary problem: Loss of non-carbonic acid or addition of HCO3-.
Buffering: Occurs in ECF.
Physiological response: Decreased RR along with less acid excretion from kidneys.
Common cause: Vomiting (body losing Cl−, HCO3− generated).

Test your understanding of acid-base compensation and simple acid-base disorders. This quiz covers concepts such as acidemia, alkalemia, and the body's responses to imbalances. Assess your knowledge on diagnostic tools and mechanisms involved in respiratory and metabolic disturbances.