Compensation

• What do compensatory mechanisms help with in acid-base imbalance?

  Return pH toward normal
• How do compensatory mechanisms function in acid-base imbalance?

  They involve respiratory and metabolic systems
• What is the fast response system for compensating metabolic disorders?

  Respiratory system
• What is the slow response system for compensating respiratory disorders?

  Metabolic (renal) system
• What happens during respiratory compensation for metabolic acidosis?

  Lungs increase ventilation to blow off CO₂
• What occurs during respiratory compensation for metabolic alkalosis?

  Lungs decrease ventilation to retain CO₂
• What happens to HCO₃⁻ during metabolic acidosis?

  It decreases due to bicarbonate loss
• What is the result of increased respiratory rate in metabolic acidosis?

  Decreased CO₂ and partial pH correction
• What is a sign of severe metabolic acidosis?

  Kussmaul breathing
• How does hyperventilation affect pH during metabolic acidosis?

  It increases pH by reducing CO₂
• What is the relationship between CO₂ levels and carbonic acid in metabolic acidosis?

  Less CO₂ leads to less carbonic acid