Define Acid-base processes.
Classed as metabolic if the primary disorder is secondary to changes in bicarbonate (HCO3-) concentration; classed as respiratory if the disorder is secondary to changes in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood (PCO2)
Acidosis: the processes by which H+ concentration is increased
Alkalosis: the processes by which H+ concentration is decreased
Describe the pH scale.
A logarithmic scale that expresses the acidity or alkalinity of a solution based on the concentration of H+ (pH = -log[H+])
Neutral pH is 7; lower values are acidic and higher values are alkaline.
Describe blood pH abnormalities.
Acidemia: abnormally low blood pH (pH < 7.35)
Alkalemia: abnormally high blood pH (pH > 7.45)
Which equation allows for the calculation of pH from HCO3-?
Henderson-Hasselbalch equation
pH = 6.1 + log([HCO3-]/[0.03 × pCO2])
6.1 = pKa of carbonic acid
0.03 = solubility constant of PCO2
Pathophysiology of acid-base disorders.
Acid-base nomogram
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