Acidosis and Alkalosis (CO7)
Acidosis and alkalosis are common acid-base disorders resulting from disturbances in hydrogen and bicarbonate regulation in the body. Acidosis is a consequence of acid buildup or loss of bicarbonate ions. The hallmark of acidosis is an increase in the number of hydrogen ions in the serum with a pH value of below 7.35. Acidosis can be classified as either metabolic or respiratory based on the acidotic processes that result in the acidosis.
Metabolic acidosis is a consequence of changes in the bicarbonate ions. This condition is a result of significant increases in the hydrogen ion concentration in the systemic circulation with a resultant fall in bicarbonate levels to values below 24mEq/L (Jung et al., 2019). Metabolic acidosis often signifies an underlying pathology. Several factors have been implicated in the development of metabolic acidosis. These include excessive alcohol consumption, medications such as metformin and salicylates, carbon monoxide and cyanide poisoning, methanol, diabetic ketoacidosis, and GI losses such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Respiratory acidosis typically results from the accumulation of CO2, a consequence of ventilation failure. The hallmark features of respiratory acidosis include elevated pCO2 with values above 45mmHg, pH levels below 7.35, and lower ratios of arterial bicarbonate to arterial pCO2 (Do et al., 2022). CO2 plays a role in human ventilation. Normally, the pCO2 values range from 38 mmHg to 42 mmHg. This usually signifies a well-balanced elimination and production of CO2. The homeostasis of CO2 is ensured in the body via the CO2 buffering system. This buffer system is signified by the equation: CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3- -> HCO3- + H+. This means that CO2, bicarbonate, and hydrogen ions are always at equilibrium.
Increases in pCO2 result in exponential increases in the hydrogen ions and a slight elevation of bicarbonate ions as it tilts the equilibrium to the right. When the hydrogen ions concentration is high, the bicarbonate ions buffer the low pH by tilting the equilibrium towards the left and result in the formation of H2CO3. This helps in minimizing the drop in pH.
Alkalosis is a result of a buildup of alkali in the body. It is characterized by pH values of above 7.45. The hallmark feature of alkalosis includes a buildup of bicarbonate ions and a significant loss of hydrogen ions (Palmer & Clegg, 2023). Alkalosis can also be classified as either respiratory or metabolic based on the alkalotic process that interplayed in the development of the alkalosis.
In metabolic alkalosis, there is a profound loss of hydrogen ions and increases in bicarbonate concentration. GI loss of hydrogen ions is the most common cause of hydrogen ion reduction in the serum. This can be due to excessive emesis and prolonged gastric aspiration. Increases in bicarbonate ions are often a result of increased parental or enteral intake of bicarbonate ions and increased renal reabsorption, as seen in some diseases, such as primary hyperaldosteronism and diuretic-induced alkalosis. Diuretics cause increased reabsorption of bicarbonate by blocking sodium and potassium reabsorption in the renal tubules.
Respiratory alkalosis often results from the low production of CO2 and excessive pulmonary losses of CO2. Low production of CO2 is usually a consequence of hypometabolic states. This is especially common among comatose patients on mechanical ventilation (Palmer & Clegg, 2023). Pulmonary losses of CO2 also result in the buildup of alkali and a result of psychogenic hyperventilation, overstimulation of the respiratory center in the pons and the medulla oblongata, as seen in the early stages of salicylate overdose.
References
Do, C., Vasquez, P. C., & Soleimani, M. (2022). Metabolic alkalosis pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment: Core curriculum 2022. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 80(4), 536–551. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2021.12.016
Jung, B., Martinez, M., Claessens, Y.-E., Darmon, M., Klouche, K., Lautrette, A., Levraut, J., Maury, E., Oberlin, M., Terzi, N., Viglino, D., Yordanov, Y., Claret, P.-G., & Bigé, N. (2019). Diagnosis and management of metabolic acidosis: Guidelines from a French expert panel. Annals of Intensive Care, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13613-019-0563-2
Palmer, B. F., & Clegg, D. J. (2023). Respiratory acidosis and respiratory alkalosis: Core curriculum 2023. American Journal of Kidney Diseases, 82(3), 347–359. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.ajkd.2023.02.004
ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE
We’ll write everything from scratch
Question 
Chem 120 week 8 Acidosis and Alkalosis (CO 7
Chem 120 week 8 Acidosis and Alkalosis (CO 7
Description
Students will work in groups of 2-3 students. Working as a group, students will pick a topic based on course outcomes (COs), and research that topic for its connection to nursing/health care. Students may pick a topic from the suggested topics list or instructors may choose to assign specific topics to students. Additionally, students may choose a different topic that is relevant to the COs as long as the faculty approves it. Students must get approval for their chosen topic and format from the instructor.
Acidosis and Alkalosis (CO7)
Students will present or submit their projects using the format specified by the instructor. Each student must contribute meaningfully to the project and be part of the project presentation. The instructor will specify a due date for the project. Additionally, instructors may have additional requirements. Students must check with their instructor regarding the presentation topic, format, and any additional requirements. Students are encouraged to start work on this project early in the session.
Topic “Acidosis and Alkalosis”