N4 Random thoughts on Acid Base

These are just little thought trails. It can make it easier to see cause and effects of abnormal findings. It can sometimes help to break down difficult concepts. If you want to know why you see S/Sx, break them down until it make sense.

Resp. Alkalosis
Seen in blood

Increased ventilation (hyperventilation)= decreased CO2
decreased CO2 = reduced H2CO3
reduced H2CO3 = reduced HC03 and H+
reduced HC03 and H = increased pH
increased pH = Alkalosis

reduced H+ in blood causes H+ leave cells (down concentration gradient)
= increased H+ In blood causes K+ to enter cells to maintain electrical balance
results = hypokalemia

decreased CO2 = hypocapnia
hypocapnia causes cerebral and peripheral vasoconstriction
cerebral and peripheral vasoconstriction = reduced cerebral and peripheral blood flow
reduced cerebral and peripheral blood flow = reduced Ca2+ ionization
reduced Ca2+ ionization= hypocalcemia
hypocalcemia = dizziness, decreasing LOC, hyperreflexia, carpopedal spasm, tetany, arrhythmias, seizure, coma

Hypocapnia overexcites medulla, pons and parts of ANS (autonomic NS)
= increasing anxiety, diaphoresis, dyspnea, alternating periods of apnea and hyperventilation, dizziness, tingling of fingers and toes

Hypocapnia stims carotid & aortic bodies and medulla = increased Heart Rate

Respiratory Acidosis

Hypercapnia = increased CO2
increased CO2 = increased H+
increased H+ = cerebral vasodilation
cerebral vasodilation = increased cerebral blood flow
increased cerebral blood flow = cerebral edema
cerebral edema = headache, CNS depression, confusion, lethargy, nausea, vomiting

Hypoventillation = increased CO2
increased CO2 (+H2O) = increased H2CO3
increased H2CO3 = increased H+ and HCO3
increased H+ and CO2 causes hemoglobin to buffer by dumping O2 and picking up CO2 and H+ (2,3 DPG) = decreased O2 SAT ( saturation of hemoglobin)

etc..........