Acid base

8 important questions on Acid base

What is the formula to calculate pCO2 in alkalosis?

PCO2 = 0.7 * [HCO3-] + 20 (+-5)

What is the equation of Henderson-Hasselbalch?

PH = pKa + log([conjugate base]/[weak acid])
--> weak acid

pOH = pKb + log([conjugate acid]/[weak base])
--> weak base

What is the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation of bicarbonate?

PH = 6.1 + log([HCO3-]/(0.0301*pCO2))

pCO2 = mmHg

kPa -> mmHg => *7.5
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How do you know if there is compensation for the metabolic/respiratory problem?

Look at the buffer. If there is a rise in HCO3-, you would expect a rise in CO2 (and thus pCO2) to make the pH lower. And vice versa for a low HCO3-.

Which hormone is important for the excretion of K+?

Aldosterone, because it leads to retention of Na+ and bicarbonate and K+ is excreted

What are causes of an elevated anion gap?

GOLDMARK
G = glycols
O = oloproline
L = L-lactate
D = D-lactate
M = methanol
A = aspirin
R = renal failure
K = ketoacidosis

What happens when a patient with respiratory acidosis is put on mechanical ventilation and you rapidly remove the excess CO2?

The pH will increase, because the HCO3- is still too high and it takes some time to reach a new equilibrium. There is a shift from acidosis to alkalosis and therefore you have to do this slowly

What is the Davenport nomogram?

Each number in the nomogram corresponds with different disturbances in the acid-base balance.

1 = acute respiratory acidosis
2 = chronic respiratory acidosis
3 = metabolic alkalosis
4 = metabolic acidosis
5 = chronic respiratory alkalosis
6 = acute respiratory alkalosis

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