Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

Anatomy & Physiology

26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance

Acid-Base Balance

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Problem 31

Textbook Question

Refer to the diagnostic flowchart in Spotlight Figure 27–18. Use information from the blood test results in the accompanying table to categorize the suspected acid-base disorders of the patients represented in the table.
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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Review the diagnostic flowchart in Spotlight Figure 27–18 to understand the process for categorizing acid-base disorders. Familiarize yourself with the key parameters used in the flowchart, such as pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels.

Step 2: Analyze the blood test results provided in the accompanying table. Identify the pH value for each patient to determine whether the condition is acidic (pH < 7.35), alkaline (pH > 7.45), or normal (pH between 7.35 and 7.45).

Step 3: Examine the PaCO2 levels in the blood test results. If the pH is abnormal, assess whether the PaCO2 is elevated or decreased to determine if the disorder is respiratory in origin. Elevated PaCO2 suggests respiratory acidosis, while decreased PaCO2 suggests respiratory alkalosis.

Step 4: Evaluate the bicarbonate (HCO3-) levels in the blood test results. If the pH is abnormal and PaCO2 does not explain the condition, check whether HCO3- is elevated or decreased to identify metabolic disorders. Elevated HCO3- indicates metabolic alkalosis, while decreased HCO3- indicates metabolic acidosis.

Step 5: Use the flowchart to confirm the categorization of the acid-base disorder for each patient by integrating the pH, PaCO2, and HCO3- findings. Ensure that compensatory mechanisms (e.g., respiratory or renal compensation) are considered when interpreting the results.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Acid-Base Balance

Acid-base balance refers to the mechanisms the body uses to maintain the pH of blood and other fluids within a narrow range, typically between 7.35 and 7.45. This balance is crucial for normal cellular functions and is regulated by the lungs and kidneys through the excretion of carbon dioxide and hydrogen ions. Understanding this concept is essential for diagnosing acid-base disorders.

Diagnostic Flowchart

A diagnostic flowchart is a visual tool that outlines the steps and criteria for diagnosing medical conditions based on specific symptoms and test results. In the context of acid-base disorders, it helps clinicians systematically categorize the type of disorder—such as metabolic acidosis or respiratory alkalosis—by interpreting laboratory data and clinical signs.

Blood Test Results

Blood test results provide critical information about a patient's metabolic and respiratory status, including levels of bicarbonate, carbon dioxide, and pH. These values are essential for identifying acid-base imbalances. Analyzing these results in conjunction with the diagnostic flowchart allows for accurate categorization of the suspected acid-base disorders.

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How do respiratory and renal mechanisms support the buffer systems?

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Differentiate between respiratory compensation and renal compensation.

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Multiple Choice

Normal arterial blood pH is __________.

1322

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