acidosis vs alkalosis

• acidosis: the blood has too much acid, cause can be either respiratory or metabolic
• acidosis: if pH returns to normal, response is called complete compensation: the rest and renal system will never overcompensate
• 3 regulating systems maintain body pH:

  1. chemical buffers
  2. respiratory system
  3. renal system
• buffers are substances that can absorb excessive acid or base to minimize fluctuations in pH
• Main chemical buffers are bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein
• alkalosis

  • the blood has too much base
  • cause can be either respiratory or metabolic
• metabolic acidosis:

  • pH: decreased
  • paCO2: normal
  • Bicarbonate: decreased
• DKA= metabolic acidosis
• metabolic acidosis: depresses the CNS and if untreated leads to arrhythmia, coma, and cardiac arrest
• metabolic acidosis: overproduction of ketone bodies and decreased ability of kidneys to excrete acids
• metabolic acidosis s/s: headache, decreased BP, hyperkalemia, muscle twitching, warm flushed skin, n/v, decreased muscle ton, decreased reflexes
• Metabolic alkalosis s/s: restless.lethargy, tachycardia, compensatory hypoventilation, confusion, n/v, diarrhea, tremors, muscle cramps, tingling, hypokalemia
• Metabolic alkalosis:

  pH- increased

  paCO2-normal

  bicarbonate- increased
• hypoglycemia: sweating, trembling, dizziness, mood changes, hunger, headaches, blurred vision, extreme tiredness and paleness
• hyperglycemia: dry mouth, extreme thirst, frequent urge to urinate, drowsiness, stomach pain