Summary of Acidosis and Alkalosis
Compensatory Mechanism for Respiratory Alkalosis
renal compensation; decreased excretion of hydrogen ions and decreased reabsorption of bicarbonate. *if compensation is complete, pH will be within normal limit but PCO₂ will be low*
Compensatory Mechanism for Respiratory Acidosis
renal compensation; increases excretion of hydrogen ions and increased reabsorption of bicarbonate. *if compensation is complete, pH of blood will be within normal limits, however the PCO₂ will be high*
Compensatory Mechanism for Metabolic Acidosis
respiratory compensation; hyperventilation increases the loss of carbon dioxide *if compensation is complete, pH will be within normal limits but the bicarbonate will be low*
Compensatory Mechanism for Respiratory Alkalosis
respiratory compensation; hypoventilation slows the loss of carbon dioxide *if compensation is complete, pH will be within normal limits but bicarbonate will be high*
Metabolic Acidosis
decreased bicarbonate below 22 mEq/L and decreased pH below 7.35 if there is no compensation
Respiratory Alkalosis
decreased partial pressure of carbon dioxide to below 35 mmHg and increased pH to above 7.45 if there is no compensation
Common Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis
hyperventilaton due to: oxygen deficiency pulmonary disease cerebrovascular accident (stroke) severe anxiety
Common Causes of Respiratory Acidosis
hypoventilation due to: emphysema pulmonary edema trauma to the respiratory center airway obstruction dysfunction of the muscles of respiration
Metabolic Alkalosis
increased bicarbonate above 26 mEq/L and increased pH above 7.45 if no compensation
Respiratory Acidosis
increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide to above 45 mmHg and decreased pH to below 7.35 if it isn't compensated
Common Causes for Metabolic Acidosis
loss of bicarbonate ions due to: diarrhea accumulation of acid (ketosis) renal dysfunction
Common Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis
Loss of acid due to: vomiting gastric suctioning use of certain diuretics excessive intake of alkaline drugs
