Objective 56: Examine differences in metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis

Here is another objective that I figured would be so complicated to understand, but I'm very glad to say that wasn't the case at all. I referred to chapter 25 page 886-887 and it provided some very good information on these topics. The chart on page 886 (included below) was also a great help in understanding metabolic and respiratory acidosis and alkalosis, because the chart also explains what the causes and consequences are of each acid-base imbalance. Hey, a little extra information never hurts if it helps you better understand the concept, right? So this is what I gathered from the textbook about what each one was.

Respiratory acidosis: (The most common cause of acid-base imbalance)
Respiratory acidosis is characterized by falling pH and rising partial pressure of carbon dioxide. It occurs most often when a person breathes shallow or when gas exchange is hampered by diseases

Respiratory alkalosis:
Respiratory alkalosis occurs when carbon dioxide is eliminated from the body faster than it is produced, causing the blood to become more alkaline. This often occurs from stress or pain.

Metabolic acidosis: (Second most common cause of acid-base imbalance)
Metabolic acidosis occurs when their is a low blood pH and low HCO3- levels. Typical causes of this are too much alcohol (Hello hangover!) and excessive loss of HCO3-.

Metabolic alkalosis:
Metabolic alkalosis occurs when their is a rise in blood pH and a rise in HCO3- levels. Typical causes of this are vomiting of the acidic contents of the stomach and an intake of excess base (Hold off on those Tums please!).