Acid Base Imbalances + ABGs

Pathophysiology Course

Pathophysiology pH

Acid base imbalances are the balance of Acid & Base in the body, Acidotic NORMAL pH
NORMAL pH Alkalotic
kind of like a tug of war the body loves to keep pH in balance. 7.35
7.35 pHpH 7.45
7.45pHpH

- Normal pH: 7.35 - 7.45

- Acidosis: Less than 7.35 pH
- Alkalosis (base): Over 7.45 pH
MEMORY TRICKS
• Full compensation = FULLY Normal pH 7.35 - 7.45 Base = Bicarbonate Carbon diACID
• Partial compensation = pH is not normal
Hydrogen ions = HIGH acid

Controlling Organs
KEY PLAYERS
Lungs control Kidneys control
Carbon Dioxide CO2 Acid Base
Breath in O2 & breath out CO2 Hydrogen H+ ions (acid)
Found in the urine
H⁺
Hypoventilation leads to
HIGHER CO2 Bicarbonate HCO3 (base)
Hyperventilation leads to Found in the intestines
Hydrogen Acid
O
lower CO2

C
C H
O O
O O
Bicarb
Carbon dioxide Acid

Metabolic Acidosis & Alkalosis - Causes MEMORY TRICKS

Metabolic
Over 7.45 pH Under 7.35 pH ALKalosis

Metabolic ALKalosis Metabolic Acidosis

H⁺

H⁺

H⁺
H⁺

Vomiting Diarrhea
NGT suction Renal Failure
Hypokalemia DKA - Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Low K+ Potassium (below 3.5) Lactic AcidOSIS Vomiting sounds like
• LOW K+ = AlKaLOWsis • Shock (low perfusion) “ALKKK-alosis”
Compensation • Sepsis (severe infection)
• Slow Compensation
• Shallow respirations • Rapid, deep respirations Metabolic
ACIDosis

K
Memory tricks Memory tricks
Base out the Butt DKA - Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Metabolic ACIDosis

< 3.5
Diarrhea: if it comes
LOW K+ out of your a$$idosis
AlKaLOWsis Renal Failure: when the
kidneys fail, acid prevails!