Acid-Base Imbalances Quiz

Acid-Base Imbalances

• Water is essential for acid-base balance.
• Sources of acid and base:
  • Fluids: H2O
  • Oxygen: O2 (low levels mean acid)
  • Carbon dioxide: CO2 (directly proportional to acid increase)
  • Electrolytes: K+, Na+, Ca2+
  • Food: Glucose

Basics of Acid-Base

• H2O = H+ + OH-
  • H+ = Acid: Low pH
  • OH- = Base: High pH
• pH: Power (concentration) of hydrogen ions.
  • Normal pH: 7.35 – 7.45
  • Acidosis: pH < 7.35
  • Alkalosis: pH > 7.45
• Homeostasis disruptions in fluid, respiration, gastrointestinal tract, etc., can cause acid-base imbalances.

Factors influencing Acid-Base

• Airway: Obstruction leads to hypoventilation, increasing CO2 and causing acidosis.
• Breathing:
  • Hypoventilation: CO2 retention = Acidosis
  • Hyperventilation: Removes CO2 = Alkalosis
• Circulation:
  • Hypovolemia (dehydration) = Acidosis
  • Hypervolemia (overhydration) = Alkalosis
• Nutrition:
  • Upper GIT (HCl): Vomiting = Metabolic alkalosis
  • Lower GIT (KOH): Diarrhea = Metabolic acidosis
• Renal:
  • Bicarbonate: Low = Acidosis; High = Alkalosis
  • Oliguria: Decreased urine output = Acidosis
  • Polyuria: Increased urine output = Alkalosis

ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases)

• pH: 7.35 – 7.45 (Acidosis < 7.35)
• PaCO2: 35 – 45 (Respiratory)
• PaO2: 80 -100
• SpO2: 95-100
• HCO3-: 22 – 26 (Metabolic)

Acid-Base Equation

• H2O + CO2 = H2CO3 = HCO3- + H+ = Homeostasis
• H2O + CO2 = H2CO3 = Respiratory
• H2CO3 = HCO3- + H+ = Metabolic

Causes of Acid-Base Imbalances

• Respiratory Disorders:
  • Respiratory Acidosis/Alkalosis: Due to CO2 alterations
  • Hypoventilation: CO2 > 45 (Acidosis)
  • Hyperventilation: CO2 < 45 (Hypercapnia)
  • Hypoxia: Low SpO2
• Metabolic Acidosis: Low pH, low bicarbonate, often due to diarrhea.
• Metabolic Alkalosis: High pH, high bicarbonate, often due to vomiting.
• Mixed Acid-Base Imbalance: Presence of both respiratory and metabolic imbalances.

Acid-Base Control Mechanisms

• Chemical buffer system: Controls hydrogen ions in blood.
• Respiratory buffer system: Controls carbon dioxide ions in blood via the lungs.
• Renal buffer system: Controls bicarbonate ions in urine via the kidneys.

ABG Interpretation

• Example 1: ABG = 7.32/50/25; pH < 7.35 = Respiratory Acidosis; HCO3 = Normal - The imbalance is primarily respiratory.
• Example 2: ABG = 7.55/43/32; pH > 7.45 = Alkalosis; CO2 = normal; HCO3 = high = Metabolic Alkalosis - The imbalance is primarily metabolic

Basic Rules of Acid-Base Imbalances

• Alkalosis (Increased pH): Increased function of most vital organs (brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, pancreas), except for potassium = Hypokalemia
  • Brain: Hyperreflexia, seizures
  • Heart: Increased heart rate, arrhythmias
  • Lungs: Increased respiratory rate
  • Kidneys: Increased urine output
  • Liver: Increased enzyme production
  • Pancreas: Increased insulin production

Test your knowledge on acid-base imbalances, their causes, and effects on the body. This quiz covers the fundamentals of acid-base balance, factors influencing pH levels, and homeostasis disruptions. Perfect for students studying physiology or health sciences.