NURS 83PL Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Hypercapnia, Overproduction, Thiazide
Document Summary
Acidity/alkalinity of a solution depends on the hydrogen concentration. Lower ph = increased hydrogen concentration ph ranges from 1-14, 7 is a neutral solution. Our bodies are slightly alkaline at 7. 35-7. 45 ph < 7. 35 = acid ph > 7. 45 = alkaline. The body has 3 systems to regulate acid-base balance. Buffer: reacts immediately to changes in acid/base balance. Acts chemically to change strong acids into weaker acids or to bind to acids to neutralize effect. Buffers are substances that prevent major changes in ph by removing or releasing hydrogen ions. Major buffer systems in the body are bicarbonate (ecf), phosphate (icf), and intra/extracellular protein buffering system. Respiratory: second line of defense. maintains normal ph by excreting or retaining co2 and h2o which are byproducts of cellular metabolism. Carbonic acid is the byproduct of cellular metabolism. Responds within minutes and reaches maximum effectiveness in hours. Renal: response takes 2-3 days, but able to maintain balance indefinitely with chronic imbalances.
