Blood pH
Signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis
Headache, blurred vision, CNS irritability
Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
Any interference with ventilation or exchange of gases in lungs. COPD, pneumonia, neuro conditions with thoracic innervation problems.
Control system to maintain acid-base balance
Chemical acid-base buffers CO2 regulation by respiratory system Kidney regulation of both acid and base
Low H+ levels stimulate to breathe how
Decrease rate and depth of respirations, retaining more CO2
Signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis
Kussmaul's respirations (deep and rapid),
Causes of respiratory alkalosis
Less common, may be self-induced as in hyperventilation High altitude, anxiety, fever
Signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalossi
Lightheadedness, dizziness, panic, air hunger, tingling
Respiratory regulation
Respiratory system controls the amount of CO2 in arterial blood An increase in CO2 causes a liberation of H ions -pH drops A decrease in CO2 results in a fall in H ions -pH rises
Kidneys maintain normal pH by
To much acid- Excrete H ions and conserve HCO3 ions. Too alkaline- Excrete HCO3 ions and decrease number of H ions excreted.
Normal pH range
7.35-7.45
Acidosis
Depresses CNS- disoriented-coma Alters shape and activity of protein molecules
Causes of metabolic acidosis
Diarrhea, renal failure, DKA (lack of insulin, ketone bodies), Aspirin overdose, shock and cardiac arrest
Causes of metabolic alkalosis
Excessive use of sodium bicarbonate or baking soda, excessive vomiting with loss of HCL, NG tube suction
Alkalosis
Excites nerves- pins and needles in peripheral nerves, then muscle twitching and spasms.
High levels of H+ stimulates to breathe how
More deeply and more frequently, expiring more CO2
Signs and symptoms of metabolic alkalosis
Severe CNS confusion, respiratory depression, increased reflexes