Acid-Base Balance and Imbalance in Body Fluids
Acid-base balance regulates the pH of body fluids, with normal blood pH ranging from 7.35 to 7.45.
Summary
Acid-base balance regulates the pH of body fluids, with normal blood pH ranging from 7.35 to 7.45. Imbalances include respiratory acidosis (low pH, high CO2), respiratory alkalosis (high pH, low CO2), metabolic acidosis (low pH, low HCO3), and metabolic alkalosis (high pH, high HCO3). Causes vary from CO2 retention and hyperventilation to kidney failure, vomiting, and other conditions. Common symptoms include confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. The ROME method helps interpret arterial blood gases by comparing pH changes with respiratory and metabolic indicators.
🧠 Key Concepts
- normal blood pH range
- respiratory acidosis causes
- respiratory alkalosis causes
- metabolic acidosis causes
- metabolic alkalosis causes
- common symptoms of imbalance
- ABG interpretation
- ROME method
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Acid-Base Balance refers to the regulation of pH in the body fluids.
Normal blood pH: 7.35 - 7.45
Types of Acid-Base Imbalance:
1. Respiratory Acidosis Cause: CO2 retention (e.g., COPD, hypoventilation) pH: Low CO2: High
2. Respiratory Alkalosis Cause: Hyperventilation pH: High CO2: Low
3. Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Kidney failure, diarrhea, diabetic ketoacidosis pH: Low HCO3: Low
4. Metabolic Alkalosis Cause: Vomiting, excessive antacid intake pH: High HCO3: High
Common Symptoms: - Confusion - Fatigue - Shortness of breath - Irregular heartbeat
ABG Interpretation Tip: ROME Method: Respiratory Opposite Metabolic Equal
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