MEDINA, John Cromwell A.

1NUR-7

HW

1) Using arrows (↑) or (↓), complete the table below that summarize the changes
observed in respiratory & metabolic acidosis & alkalosis.

Condition pH pCO2 [HCO3-]

Respiratory acidosis ↓ ↑ ↑
Respiratory alkalosis ↑ ↓ ↓
Metabolic acidosis ↓ ↓ ↓
Metabolic alkalosis ↑ ↑ ↑

2) Hyperventilation is observed in what two conditions? What treatment goes w/ which

condition? Why?

Hyperventilation was observed in respiratory alkalosis and metabolic acidosis. Respiratory

alkalosis can be treated by inhaling one’s own exhaled air (for example: through a paper bag),
administer CO2, or treat the underlying cause because in this case there is a decrease of CO2
as a result of the CO2 being removed rapidly. Metabolic acidosis can be treated by insulin
therapy, hemodialysis or i.v. NaHCO3 because in this case [H+] increases ergo decreasing the
pH then as a defense mechanism the lungs hyperventilate to decrease the increased levels of
pCO2 that was caused by metabolic acidosis.

3) In which condition is hypoventilation part of the problem rather than a cure? Explain.

In respiratory acidosis, hypoventilation is the part of the problem because excess CO2(g) cannot
be efficiently removed due to lung diseases which causes the hypoventilation. It maybe caused
by COPD, anesthesia, or barbiturate overdose.

4) In which condition is hypoventilation the body’s way of helping itself? Explain.

Metabolic alkalosis, which is caused by the ingestion of large doses of alkali and/or vomiting,
decreases [H+] ergo decreasing pCO2 to counteract the decrease the lungs, as a defense
mechanism, hypoventilate to increase pCO2.

5) In respiratory & metabolic acidosis, in what way are these two conditions the same? In
what way are they different?

Both respiratory and metabolic acidosis result in a decrease in [H+] and increase in pH.
However, metabolic acidosis favors backward reaction which decreases [HCO3-] and increases
pCO2. On the other hand, respiratory acidosis favors forward reaction therefore increasing [H+]
and [HCO3-].

6) Explain the ff. situations:

a) hyperventilation in hysterics causes alkalosis

There is a rapid decrease of CO2 therefore resulting in alkalosis.

b) emphysema leads to acidosis

The lungs cannot function normally because of emphysema which could cause hypoventilation.
The forward reaction increases [H+] and [HCO3-] resulting to respiratory acidosis.

c) prolonged vomiting leads to alkalosis

There is a decrease in [H+] therefore favoring forward reaction which in turn decreases pCO2
and increases [HCO3-] resulting to metabolic alkalosis.
d) uncontrolled diarrhea can cause acidosis
There is an increase in [H+] therefore favoring backward reaction which in turn decreases
[HCO3-] and increases pCO2 resulting to metabolic acidosis. As a defense mechanism, the
lungs hyperventilate to decrease the level of pCO2.