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