Acidosis and Alkalosis MADE EASY

Summary

This educational script discusses the concepts of acidosis and alkalosis, explaining how blood pH levels determine if the blood is too acidic or basic. It clarifies the difference between respiratory and metabolic types, emphasizing the importance of the body's pH balance, which should be between 7.35 and 7.45. The script delves into the chemical reactions involving carbon dioxide and water that lead to respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, and contrasts these with metabolic imbalances that affect bicarbonate and hydrogen ion concentrations, resulting in metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Normal blood pH range is between 7.35 and 7.45.
• 🌡️ A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a pH above 7.45 indicates alkalosis.
• 💧 The pH measurement reflects the concentration of hydrogen ions in the blood.
• 🌬️ Respiratory acidosis is caused by an increase in carbon dioxide, leading to the production of carbonic acid and hydrogen ions.
• 🌀 Respiratory alkalosis results from a decrease in carbon dioxide, reducing the formation of carbonic acid and hydrogen ions.
• 🧠 Metabolic acidosis occurs when there's an increase in hydrogen ions or a decrease in bicarbonate ions.
• 🔄 Metabolic alkalosis happens when there's an overproduction of bicarbonate ions or a deficiency in hydrogen ions.
• 🔄 In respiratory acidosis, the body compensates by exhaling carbon dioxide to reduce acidity.
• 🔄 In metabolic acidosis, the body may compensate by retaining bicarbonate to neutralize excess hydrogen ions.
• 📉 A decrease in bicarbonate levels and a drop in pH are indicative of uncompensated metabolic acidosis.

Q & A

What is the normal pH range of blood?

The normal pH range of blood is between 7.35 and 7.45.

What happens to the blood pH in acidosis and alkalosis?

In acidosis, the blood pH drops below 7.35, making it more acidic. In alkalosis, the blood pH rises above 7.45, making it more basic.

What does the 'pH' in blood pH stand for?

The 'pH' in blood pH stands for the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the blood.