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

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Acids and Bases

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Acids and Bases

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2:27 minutes

Problem 24

Textbook Question

Mrs. Roberts, who is in a diabetic coma, has just been admitted to Noble Hospital. Her blood pH indicates that she is in severe acidosis (blood pH in the acid range), and the medical staff quickly institute measures to bring her blood pH back within normal limits. Note the normal pH of blood, and discuss why severe acidosis is a problem.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the normal pH range of blood: The normal pH of blood is tightly regulated between 7.35 and 7.45. This range is slightly alkaline, and any deviation outside this range can disrupt normal physiological processes.

Define acidosis: Acidosis occurs when the blood pH drops below 7.35, indicating an excess of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the blood. Severe acidosis, as in Mrs. Roberts' case, means the pH has dropped significantly below this threshold.

Explain why severe acidosis is a problem: A low blood pH can impair enzyme function, disrupt cellular metabolism, and interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin. This can lead to symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and in severe cases, coma or death.

Relate acidosis to diabetes: In diabetic patients, severe acidosis is often caused by diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). This condition occurs when the body breaks down fats for energy due to a lack of insulin, producing acidic ketone bodies that lower blood pH.

Discuss the medical response: To treat severe acidosis, the medical team will typically administer intravenous fluids to correct dehydration, insulin to reduce blood glucose levels, and bicarbonate if necessary to buffer the excess hydrogen ions and restore normal pH levels.

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Key Concepts

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

Normal Blood pH Range

The normal pH range for human blood is typically between 7.35 and 7.45. Maintaining this range is crucial for proper physiological function, as even slight deviations can disrupt metabolic processes and enzyme activity. A pH below 7.35 indicates acidosis, which can lead to serious health complications.

Acidosis

Acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of hydrogen ions in the body, leading to a decrease in blood pH. This can result from various factors, including respiratory issues or metabolic disturbances, such as uncontrolled diabetes. Severe acidosis can impair organ function, disrupt cellular processes, and, if untreated, can be life-threatening.

Compensatory Mechanisms

The body has several compensatory mechanisms to counteract acidosis, including increased respiratory rate to expel carbon dioxide and renal adjustments to excrete excess acids. However, these mechanisms can become overwhelmed in severe cases, necessitating medical intervention to restore normal pH levels and prevent further complications.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

Mrs. Roberts, in a diabetic coma, has just been admitted to Noble Hospital. Her blood pH indicates that she is in severe acidosis (low blood pH), and measures are quickly instituted to bring her blood pH back within normal limits.

Define pH and note the normal pH of blood.

Why is severe acidosis a problem?

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Textbook Question

Jason, a 12-year-old boy, was awakened suddenly by a loud crash. As he sat up in bed, straining to listen, his fright was revealed by his rapid breathing (hyperventilation), a breathing pattern effective in ridding the blood of CO₂. At this point, was his blood pH rising or falling?

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Textbook Question

Alkaline substances include which of the following?

a. Gastric juice

b. Water

c. Blood

d. Lemon juice

e. Ammonia

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Textbook Question

Define pH. The pH range of blood is from 7.35 to 7.45. Circle the correct answer to complete the sentence: This is slightly (acidic / basic).

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