Buffer Systems and Acid-Base Balance
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of buffer systems in the human body?

  • To neutralize acids and bases, maintaining pH balance (correct)
  • To generate excess acids in the bloodstream
  • To increase the concentration of hydrogen ions
  • To facilitate respiration and increase oxygen levels

    • Which buffer system maintains a normal ratio of carbonic acid to bicarbonate?

  • Phosphate buffer system
  • Protein buffer system
  • Bicarbonate buffer system (correct)
  • Ammonia buffer system

    • What generally indicates acidosis in the body?

  • A pH balance of 7.45 or higher
  • An accumulation of hydrogen ions or loss of bicarbonate (correct)
  • A loss of carbon dioxide
  • A maintained ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid

    • How do the lungs and kidneys collaborate in regulating acid-base balance?

    <p>The lungs only manage short-term regulation while the kidneys manage long-term</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly defines a buffer?

    <p>A substance that reacts with acids and bases to maintain pH balance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to blood pH when the ratio of carbonic acid to bicarbonate is maintained?

    <p>It remains within the normal range of 7.35 - 7.45</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions results from an accumulation of bicarbonate in the blood?

    <p>Alkalosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During an ABG test, which substances are primarily measured?

    <p>Oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as blood pH balance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What indicates alkalosis in the body?

    <p>An accumulation of bases or loss of acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is expected when small amounts of an acid or base are added to a buffer solution?

    <p>The pH remains relatively stable</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of the bicarbonate buffer system in the body?

    <p>To control blood pH by regulating CO2 and bicarbonate levels</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What occurs to the respiratory rate during hyperventilation?

    <p>It increases to eliminate excess CO2</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the kidneys, what is primarily conserved during acidosis?

    <p>HCO3- ions to restore alkalinity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes the phosphate buffer system?

    <p>It utilizes HPO₄²⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻ for acid-base neutralization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do proteins play in the protein buffer system?

    <p>Consume small amounts of acids or bases to regulate pH</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the bicarbonate buffer system?

    <p>It operates only after hours to days for full effect</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens to pH during hypoventilation?

    <p>It decreases due to CO2 retention</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which two processes are primarily managed by the kidneys in acid-base regulation?

    <p>Excretion of acids and conservation of bicarbonate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does an increase in respiratory rate have on CO2 levels?

    <p>Reduces CO2 concentrations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of dihydrogen phosphate in the phosphate buffer system?

    <p>It neutralizes excess acids</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary cause of respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Impaired gas exchange</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following symptoms is commonly associated with respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Headache and drowsiness</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition is characterized by a low blood pH due to excess acid in the body?

    <p>Metabolic acidosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What compensatory mechanism occurs during metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Increased respiratory rate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement correctly describes respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Mainly due to hyperventilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does metabolic alkalosis typically occur?

    <p>Loss of stomach acid due to vomiting</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which electrolyte disturbance can occur with respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Hypokalemia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the role of proteins in acid-base balance?

    <p>They help neutralize excess acid via amine groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common outcome of impaired ventilation in respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Decreased pH leading to acidity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can contribute to respiratory alkalosis aside from hyperventilation?

    <p>Fever and anxiety</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In metabolic acidosis, what is the primary physiological response?

    <p>Compensatory hyperventilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition primarily results from respiratory depression?

    <p>Respiratory acidosis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a potential consequence of chronic respiratory acidosis on the cardiovascular system?

    <p>Bradycardia and hypotension</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Buffer Systems and Acid-Base Balance

    • Buffer systems resist changes in pH, essential for maintaining a stable internal environment.
    • Chemical Buffer Systems work by neutralizing excess acids or bases. These systems react with acids and bases to prevent significant changes in pH. 
    • Physiological Buffer Systems include the lungs and kidneys which play a crucial role in regulating acid-base balance.

    Major Buffer Systems in the Body

    • Bicarbonate Buffer System is the primary buffer system.
      • Lungs regulate carbonic acid (H2CO3) production by managing CO2 levels.
      • Kidneys regulate bicarbonate (HCO3-) production.
    • Lungs control CO2 content in the extracellular fluid (ECF) by adjusting ventilation.
      • Increased CO2 leads to hyperventilation (increased respiratory rate).
      • Reduced CO2 leads to hypoventilation (decreased respiratory rate).
    • Kidneys regulate HCO3- in the ECF by either reabsorbing or excreting acids and bases into urine.
      • Acidosis stimulates kidney excretion of H+ and conservation of HCO3-.
      • Alkalosis causes the kidneys to retain H+ and excrete HCO3-.
    • Phosphate Buffer System is essential for regulating pH in intracellular fluid (ICF) and urine.
      • Consists of mono and dihydrogen phosphate ions (HPO₄²⁻/H₂PO₄⁻).
      • Neutralizes excess acid by reacting with monohydrogen phosphate, increasing dihydrogen phosphate.
      • Neutralizes excess base by reacting with dihydrogen phosphate, increasing monohydrogen phosphate.
    • Protein Buffer System helps regulate pH in both ECF and ICF.
      • Proteins are chains of amino acids containing amine (– NH2) and carboxyl (–COOH) groups.
      • Amine groups (NH2) bind to excess H+ (acid) in the blood.
      • Carboxyl groups (COOH) release H+ (acid) in the blood to combat excess base.

    Acid-Base Imbalance

    • Acidosis occurs when pH is below 7.35, meaning there is an accumulation of acids or loss of bases (HCO3-).
    • Alkalosis occurs when pH is above 7.35, indicating an accumulation of bases or loss of acids.

    Respiratory Acidosis:

    • Occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough CO2 from the body leading to CO2 accumulation in the blood, causing a low pH.
    • Caused by:
      • Respiratory center depression (hypoventilation)
      • COPD
      • Narcotics
      • Respiratory arrest
      • Paralysis of respiratory muscles
    • Causes:
      • Decreased excitability of the central nervous system (CNS)
      • Headache, drowsiness, disorientation, coma
      • Cardiovascular issues: dysrhythmias, decreased cardiac contractility, hypotension.
      • Hypercalcemia: acidosis decreases Ca++ binding to albumin, increasing serum ionized Ca++ levels.

    Metabolic Acidosis:

    • Caused by loss of bicarbonate or an increase in acid generation.
    • Symptoms resemble respiratory acidosis, but the primary cause is HCO3 loss.

    Respiratory Alkalosis:

    • Caused by a decrease in CO2 levels in the blood due to hyperventilation (increased excretion by the lungs).
    • Caused by:
      • Hyperventilation
      • Hypoxemia (low blood oxygen)
      • Fever
      • Anger
      • Psychological dyspnea: anxiety-induced hyperventilation, experiencing shortness of breath
    • Causes:
      • Increased excitability of the CNS
      • Lightheadedness, numbness, tingling, confusion, blurred vision
      • Cardiovascular issues: increased cardiac contractility, hypertension
      • Hypokalemia: increased blood pH causes shift of K out of plasma and interstitial fluids into urine.

    Metabolic Alkalosis

    • Characterized by an accumulation of bicarbonate in the body.
    • Most commonly caused by loss of stomach acid due to excessive vomiting.

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    Description

    Explore the critical role of buffer systems in maintaining pH stability in the human body. This quiz covers chemical and physiological buffer systems, including the bicarbonate buffer system, and the functions of the lungs and kidneys in regulating acid-base balance.

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