Question

Discussion 19 - Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Acid-base balance is regulated by a number of systems. Describe the sources of respiratory acidosis and alkalosis as well as metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.

Answer 1

Respiratory acidosis: when ventilation is insufficient to remove all of the carbon dioxide by metabolism, the carbonic anhydrase reaction shifts to the right and would increase H+ ions and results in respiratory acidosis.

CO2 + H2O ----> H2CO3 ----> H+ + HCO3-

Respiratory alkalosis: when ventilation is more than needed, i.e, in the case of hyperventilation, the CO2 concentration would decrease and this shifts the carbonic anhydrase reaction to left and results in respiratory alkalosis.

Metabolic acidosis: this could be caused by the ingestion of acids or during intense exercise due to the formation of lactic acid via anaerobic glycolysis, or due to excessive loss of H2CO3 ions during diarrhea, or when kidneys are not able to remove enough acid from the body.

Metabolic alkalosis: this could be caused due to the ingestion of NaHCO3 or due to loss of H+ ions either due to vomiting or because of kidney failure.