8 Questions
What is the primary cause of metabolic acidosis?
Imbalance in production of acids or bases by the kidneys
Which compensatory mechanism is generally involved in restoring blood pH in metabolic disturbances?
Renal system
What indicates that the body's compensatory mechanisms for acid-base disturbances are failing?
Significant change in blood pH
How does blood acidity increase in individuals?
Ingestion of substances that contain acids
Which acid-base disturbance is primarily compensated for by the respiratory system?
Metabolic acidosis
What is the cause of respiratory alkalosis?
Breathing disorders affecting carbon dioxide levels
In metabolic alkalosis, what is the primary factor leading to the imbalance of acids and bases?
Kidney disorders affecting acid or base excretion
What happens to the blood pH if the body's ability to compensate for an acid-base disturbance is failing?
Blood pH changes significantly
Study Notes
Types of Acidosis and Alkalosis
- Acidosis and alkalosis are categorized into two types: Metabolic and Respiratory
- Metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis are caused by an imbalance in the production of acids or bases and their excretion by the kidneys
- Respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis are caused by changes in carbon dioxide exhalation due to lung or breathing disorders
Compensation for Acid-Base Disorders
- The body has automatic compensatory mechanisms to push the blood pH back towards normal
- Respiratory system compensates for metabolic disturbances, while metabolic mechanisms compensate for respiratory disturbances
- If the blood pH has changed significantly, it means the body's ability to compensate is failing
Acidosis
- Blood acidity increases when people ingest substances that contain or produce acid or when the lungs do not expel enough carbon dioxide
- In rare cases, metabolic alkalosis develops in a person who has ingested too much base from substances such as baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
Metabolic Alkalosis
- Develops when the body loses too much acid or gains too much base
- Can occur when excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes (such as sodium or potassium) affects the kidneys' ability to maintain the blood's acid-base balance
- Causes of metabolic alkalosis include overactive adrenal gland, use of diuretics, and loss of potassium
Respiratory Alkalosis
- Develops when rapid, deep breathing (hyperventilation) causes too much carbon dioxide to be expelled from the bloodstream
- The most common cause of hyperventilation is anxiety, but can also be caused by pain, low levels of oxygen in the blood, fever, and aspirin overdose
Symptoms of Alkalosis
- Irritability
- Muscle twitching and cramps
- Tingling in the fingers and toes and around the lips
- Muscle spasms (tetany) can develop in severe cases
Treatment of Alkalosis
- Metabolic alkalosis is treated by replacing water and mineral salts such as sodium and potassium (electrolytes) and correcting the cause
- Respiratory alkalosis is treated by correcting the cause
Blood pH
- The pH scale ranges from 0 (strongly acidic) to 14 (strongly basic or alkaline)
- A pH of 7.0 is neutral
- Blood is normally slightly basic, with a normal pH range of 7.35 to 7.45
- The body usually maintains the pH of blood close to 7.40
Learn about the different types of acidosis and alkalosis categorized as metabolic or respiratory, caused by various primary factors such as kidney imbalances or lung disorders. Understand how patients can have multiple acid-base disorders and the mechanisms of compensation for these imbalances.
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