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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance01:29

Disorders of Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a precise pH range of arterial blood between 7.35 and 7.45. Deviations result in either acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45). These conditions are further classified as respiratory or metabolic disorders based on their underlying cause.
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
Acid-Base Balance01:25

Acid-Base Balance

The human body maintains a narrow pH range regulated through acid-base balance. This balance is crucial as changes in the hydrogen ion concentration can disrupt cell membrane stability, alter protein structures, and change enzyme activities. The normal pH of arterial blood is 7.4, venous blood and interstitial fluid is 7.35, and intracellular fluid averages 7.0.
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis01:24

Diagnosing Acidosis and Alkalosis

Diagnosing acid-base imbalances involves systematically analyzing arterial blood samples, focusing on three key measurements: pH, bicarbonate (HCO3−) concentration, and carbon dioxide partial pressure (PCO2). This analysis follows a four-step process that helps identify the imbalance's underlying cause and nature.
First, the pH level is assessed to determine whether the blood pH is normal (7.35–7.45), low (acidosis), or high (alkalosis).
Next, the PCO2  and HCO3−  values are examined to...
Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases02:58

Bronsted-Lowry Acids and Bases

The acid-base reaction class has been studied for quite some time. In 1680, Robert Boyle reported traits of acid solutions that included their ability to dissolve many substances, to change the colors of certain natural dyes, and to lose these traits after coming in contact with alkali (base) solutions. In the eighteenth century, it was recognized that acids have a sour taste, react with limestone to liberate a gaseous substance (now known to be CO2), and interact with alkalis to form neutral...
Position of Equilibrium in Acid-Base Reactions02:05

Position of Equilibrium in Acid-Base Reactions

In any solution, the value of pKa indicates whether an acid is completely dissociated or not. A negative pKa corresponds to a stronger acid, whereas a positive pKa corresponds to a weaker acid. Consider the reaction between ammonia and an ethoxide ion. In this reaction, ethanol with a pKa of 15.9 is a stronger acid than ammonia with a pKa of 38. Recall that the strong acid forms a weak conjugate base, and a weak acid forms a strong conjugate base. Hence, the ethoxide ion is a weak base.
Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance01:18

Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance

Respiratory compensation is a vital physiological process that stabilizes blood plasma pH by regulating the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), a key determinant of pH levels. Most carbon dioxide in the blood dissolves and converts into carbonic acid (H2CO3). It dissociates into hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate ions (HCO3⁻). There is also an inverse relationship between PCO2​​ and pH.
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are produced, leading to a...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2026

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children
07:27

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children

Published on: August 19, 2020

[Acid-base equilibrium in the critically ill].

G Rombolà1, D Parodi, M Ardini

  • 1U.O.C. Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale S. Andrea, La Spezia. giuseppe.rombola@asl5.liguria.it

Giornale Italiano Di Nefrologia : Organo Ufficiale Della Societa Italiana Di Nefrologia
|October 28, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Understanding acid-base balance in ICU patients is complex due to organ involvement and treatments. Accurately assessing acid-base disturbances is crucial for correct diagnosis and therapy.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2026

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children
07:27

How to Administer Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Critically ill Neonates, Infants, and Children

Published on: August 19, 2020

Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Physiology
  • Biochemistry

Context:

  • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients face complex physiological challenges.
  • Hospitalization and therapeutic interventions significantly impact acid-base homeostasis.
  • Evaluating acid-base disturbances in critically ill patients is often challenging.

Purpose:

  • To highlight the complexities in assessing acid-base balance in ICU patients.
  • To emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of physiopathological processes.
  • To underscore the limitations of traditional assessment methods.

Summary:

  • Factors like ICU admission, organ involvement, and treatments disrupt acid-base homeostasis.
  • Estimating the contribution of 'structural' buffer systems to acid load is difficult.
  • Arterial blood gas analysis provides a limited view, focusing only on the bicarbonate-carbonic acid system.

Impact:

  • Improved understanding of acid-base disturbances aids in accurate diagnosis.
  • Clarifying the steps leading to acid-base alterations enhances therapeutic strategies.
  • A more thorough assessment can lead to better patient management and outcomes.