Definitions
The concentration of hydrogen ions relative to bases in body fluids
Acid-Base Balance
At a pH of 7.0, a solution contains an equal concentration of hydrogen and hydroxide ions. Therefore, a ph of 7.0 also indicates the fluid is _________ in reaction.
Neutral
The chemistry of life can only operate within the range of what?
pH 6.8 to 8.0
The body has two types of mechanisms for regulating the pH of its fluids. What are they?
Chemical pH control mechanism
Psychological pH control mechanisms
Where is the "vomit center" located?
Brainstem
The stomach is affected by vomiting but is not where it starts. The cerebellum coordinates movement, posture, balance, and coordination of muscular activity. The hypothalamus is associated with the endocrine system and maintains homeostasis.
Any substance that, when dissolved in water, contributes to an excess of H+ ions.
Acid
A pH higher than 7.0 indicates what?
Alkalinity
What condition produces an arterial blood pH greater than 7.45?
Alkalosis
Elevated C02 levels result in _____________ formation of carbonic acid in red blood cells
Increased
The accumulation of which acidic substance results from excessive fat metabolism?
Ketone bodies
Ketone bodies are acids that result from excessive metabolism of fats. Buffers, H +, and CO 2 do not result from the excessive metabolism of fats.
Condition in which there is an excess proportion of acid in the blood (and thus an abnormally low blood pH)
Acidosis
The normal range of blood pH is what?
Approximately 7.35 to 7.45
What is one of the frequent and serious complications of repetitive vomiting that continues over time?
Metabolic Alkalosis
An enzyme found in red blood cells.
Carbonic Anhydrase
Accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood results in which condition?
Diabetic ketoacidosis
The accumulation of ketone bodies results in a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis that causes the blood to become dangerously acidic. Diabetes mellitus may be a cause of the ketoacidosis, but ketone bodies do not cause diabetes mellitus or a long-term problem associated with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes insipidus has no association with ketone bodies but is the result of a decrease in antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
Ingesting large amounts of sodium bicarbonate to counteract the effects of lactic acid buildup, thereby reducing lipidique; however, there are potentially dangerous side effects.
Bicarbonate Loading
What is the most acidic substance in the body?
Gastric juice
Disturbances in acid-base balance depend on relative quantities of ____________ and ___________.
NaHCO and H2CO2
The lungs remove the equivalent of how many liters of carbonic acid each day from the venous blood by elimination of CO2?
30L
Which is the normal pH of urine?
Acidotic at 4.8
Most of the time the kidneys acidify urine; that is, they excrete enough acid to give urine an acid pH, often as low as 4.8. A pH of 7.0 is neutral, but urine is more acidic. Sputum is alkaline at 7.7, and blood pH is between 7.35 and 7.45.
The enzyme that converts carbon dioxide into carbonic acid
Carbonic Anhydrase
Is arterial blood slightly acidic or slightly alkaline?
Arterial and venous blood are both slightly alkaline because both have a pH slightly higher than 7.0.
Venous blood is less; however, it is less alkaline than arterial blood.
What two types of disturbances can alter the proper ratio of NaHCO3 to H2CO3?
Metabolic and Respiratory
What does the term "compensate" mean when referring to pH imbalances?
When acidosis or alkalosis occurs in the body, various pH-balancing mechanisms—buffers and the respiratory and urinary mechanisms—try to restore balance as soon as possible.
Which is the normal ratio of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3) and carbonic acid (H 2CO 3) that maintains the acid-base balance?
20:1
If the normal ratio (20:1 NaHCO 3/H 2CO 3) can be maintained, the acid-base balance and pH remain normal despite changes in the absolute amounts of either component of the buffer pair in the blood. The ratio of NaHCO 3 to H 2CO 3 levels in the blood is the key to acid-base balance. The normal 20:1 ratio is altered as the NaHCO 3 component of the buffer pair reacts with the acids. Blood levels of NaHCO 3 decrease rapidly in these clients. The result is a lower ratio of NaHCO 3 to H 2CO 3 (perhaps 10:1) and lower blood pH. The condition is called uncompensated metabolic acidosis. The ratios 30:1 and 15:1 are not the normal ratio of NaHCO 3 and H 2CO 3 that maintains the acid-base balance.