Patho Acid-base Imbalance

Which statement is true regarding alkalosis?

Alkalosis is less common than acidosis as a disorder. Alkalosis is less common than acidosis, since the body is almost always producing acids from the process of metabolism.

Which statement describes pH measurement?

In a fluid, pH is the amount of hydrogen ions (H+) present. The pH of a fluid reflects the concentration of hydrogen ions.

Match the typical cause with an acid-base abnormality.

Metabolic acidosis > Diarrhea Metabolic alkalosis > Vomiting Respiratory acidosis > Pneumonia Respiratory alkalosis >Anxiety

Which are mechanisms for regulating acid-base homeostasis?

Buffer pairs Buffers are chemicals that help control the pH of body fluids. Each buffer system consists of a weak acid, which releases hydrogen ions when the fluid is too alkaline, and a base, which takes up hydrogen ions when the fluid is too acidic. Potential changes in pH are adjusted immediately by the action of buffers. Renal mechanism The renal mechanism is the third best (although slowest) defense against acid-base disorders. The kidneys modify the excretion rate of metabolic acids into the urine and are involved in the production and absorption of bicarbonate. Respiratory mechanism The respiratory mechanism is the second defense against acid-base disorders. The respiratory system adjusts the amount of carbonic acid that remains in the body by altering rate and depth of respiration.

Which statement appropriately describes buffer pairs?

Buffers are chemicals that help control the pH of body fluids. Each buffer system consists of a weak acid, which releases hydrogen ions when the fluid is too alkaline, and a base, which takes up hydrogen ions when the fluid is too acidic.

Match each element to its role in maintaining acid-base homeostasis.

Chemicals that prevent large changes in pH > Buffer pairs Excrete metabolic acids and reabsorb bicarbonate >Kidneys Excretes CO2 that combines with H2O to form H2CO3 > Lungs

Which factors may cause metabolic acidosis?

Diarrhea Diarrhea causes metabolic acidosis due to excessive loss of bicarbonate ions. Renal failure Renal failure may cause metabolic acidosis in which both decreased excretion of acids and decreased production of bicarbonate occur. Diabetic ketoacidosis Metabolic acidosis may occur when diabetic patients produce large amounts of ketoacids that use up bicarbonate ions.

Which factors may cause respiratory acidosis?

Respiratory failure Obstruction of the airways may cause an increase in retained CO2 leading to respiratory acidosis. Slow, shallow respirations (sedative drugs) Hypoventilation causes the body to retain CO2 leading to respiratory acidosis.

Which characteristics of the kidneys cause them to be the most effective regulators of pH?

The kidneys can excrete excess base. Kidneys can excrete excess base. The lungs cannot. The kidneys can eliminate much larger amounts of acid than the lungs can. The kidneys are capable of eliminating much larger amounts of acid than the lungs can.

Which factor describes the role of the kidneys in regulating bicarbonate ions?

The kidneys excrete metabolic acids. Kidneys can secrete or retain metabolic acids (H+ ions) into the renal tubular fluid. They can also excrete and/or retain bicarbonate in the body depending on acid-base hemostatic demands.

Which statements are true about acidosis?

The pH value is lower than normal (<7.35). A pH below 7.35 is considered acidosis. More hydrogen ions are present than normal. Acidosis is a condition of excess hydrogen ions. The metabolic processes of the body produce acid, contributing to acidosis. The normal tendency of the body is toward acidosis since metabolic processes produce acid byproducts.

Which factor characterizes metabolic alkalosis?

pH above 7.4 and abnormally high HCO−3HCO3− concentration Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by increased pH and increased HCO−3HCO3− (bicarbonate).