Acid Base Balance
Respiratory: When breathing is inadequate carbon dioxide (respiratory acid) accumulates. The extra CO2 molecules
combine with water to form carbonic acid which contributes to an acid
pH. The treatment, if all else fails, is to lower the PCO2 by
breathing for the
patient using a ventilator or bag and mask.
Metabolic: When normal metabolism is impaired - acid forms, e.g.,
poor blood supply stops oxidative metabolism and lactic acid forms. This
acid is not respiratory so, by definition, it is "metabolic
acid." If severe, the patient may be in shock and require
treatment, possibly by neutralizing this excess acid with bicarbonate,
possibly by allowing time
for excretion or metabolism.
That's it! The whole of acid-base balance in six
sentences. As you explore acid base balance, keep this bird's eye-view in
mind.
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