💊 Understanding acid-base abnormalities is crucial for diagnosing and managing various medical conditions. Let’s dive deeper into the specifics to strengthen your knowledge.⁠
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✨ pH refers to how acidic or basic a solution is. If the solution becomes more acidic, the concentration of protons increases, and the pH decreases. The opposite occurs in a more basic solution: the concentration of protons decreases and the pH rises. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, while a pH above 7.45 signifies alkalosis. These conditions are further classified as metabolic or respiratory based on the underlying cause (e.g., HCO3 or pCO2 changes).⁠
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✨ The acid-base status of a patient can be determined using an arterial blood gas (ABG), consisting of pH, pCO2, pO2, HCO3, and O2 Sat. In the body, the kidneys help to maintain a neutral pH by controlling bicarbonate (HCO3) reabsorption and elimination. Bicarbonate therefore acts as a buffer as well as a base. The lungs also aid in maintaining a neutral pH in the body via the control of carbonic acid (directly proportional to the partial pressure of carbon dioxide: pCO2). Carbon dioxide also acts as a buffer as well as an acid. When we have variations in these levels, acid-base disturbances occur. ⁠
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✨ Calculating the anion gap in metabolic acidosis can help pinpoint the cause. Remember the mnemonic MUDPILES for high anion gap acidosis. An anion gap is considered high if it is greater than 12 mEq/L. ⁠
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✨ Recognizing these patterns and their compensatory responses is key to interpreting ABGs effectively. Keep practicing to master acid-base abnormalities! ⁠
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