Metabolic Acidosis Case Study

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Notes Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic acidosis occurs when the body is producing too much acid, isn't getting rid of enough acid, or doesn't have enough base to buffer the normal amount of acid. Because there are 2 basic ways why metabolic acidosis can occur, the anion gap is analyzed. Observing the anion gap can help determine if the metabolic acidosis is from a lack of buffering or excess of acid. There are several types of metabolic acidosis.
Metabolic acidosis starts in the kidneys. Diabetic acidosis happens in diabetic patients with poor control over their condition. Ketones build up and turn the blood acidic if the body lacks sustainable insulin. Hyperchloremic acidosis is a result from a decrease of sodium bicarbonate. Diarrhea and vomiting …show more content…

The primary method of treatment is medications. For compensation in respiratory acidosis, although the PCO2 is high, the pH is normal. The kidneys compensate by reabsorbing more HCO3- from the tubular fluid, the collecting duct cells secrete more H+, and produce more HCO3-. Respiratory Alkalosis
Respiratory alkalosis is a disruption in acid and base balance caused by hyperventilation. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when you breathe too fast or too deep and carbon dioxide levels drop too low. It causes the pH of the blood to rise and become too alkaline. Panic attacks and anxiety are the most common causes of hyperventilation, but they’re not the only source. Others include: heart attack, asthma, fever, COPD, and pregnancy.
Treatment for respiratory alkalosis depends on the cause. To treat it, you would need to raise the carbon dioxide levels. The body's response is cell buffering. This helps to reduce the bicarbonate level and increase the acidity level. However, while cell buffering is rapid, it has a small effect on the pH. That’s why the kidneys respond after a while. They start to limit the excretion of H+ and increase the excretion of

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