Tara Sheehy

Hesc 310
Acid/Base Lab
12/2/10

1. Matching
pH-term used to denote hydrogen ion concentration in body fluids
acid-substance that releases H+ in solution
base-substance that binds to H+ in solution
acidosis-condition which human body’s pH levels fall below 7.35
alkalosis-condition which human body’s pH levels rise above 7.45
carbon dioxide-mixes with water in the blood to form carbonic acid

2. The normal range of pH levels of blood and tissue fluids in the human body is 7.35-
7.45

3. A strong acid is an acid that completely dissociates in a solution and a weak acid
does not dissociate completely

4. A strong base is more likely to bind to H+ than a weak base

5. Respiratory alkalosis and acidoses refer to the respiratory system accumulating too
much/little CO2 in the blood while metabolic acidosis and alkalosis refers to all other
conditions except respiratory

6. The body’s two major buffering systems are the renal and respiratory systems

Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis

1. Respiratory acidosis can be brought on by hyperventilation due to impaired

respiration which is caused by airway obstruction, lung disease, drug overdose, and
depression of the respiratory center in the brain stem.

2. Some causes of respiratory alkalosis are traveling to high altitudes and

hyperventilation due to fever or anxiety

3. During hyperventilation blood pH levels rise because more CO2 is being removed
from the blood which results in a decrease of H+ ions and an increase in pH

4. During rebreathing pH levels drop because there is an increased in CO2 therefore an

increase in H+ ions and a decrease in pH

5. As respiration increases, pCO2 levels decrease and pH levels rise

 As respiration decreases, pCO2 levels increase and pH levels fall

Renal Compensation

1. The renal system compensates for respiratory acidosis by retaining more HCO3- in
urine and excreting more H+

2. The renal system compensates for respiratory alkalosis by excreting more HCO3- in
urine and retaining more H+

Metabolic Acidosis and Alkalosis

1. Some causes of metabolic acidosis are ketoacidosis, salicyclate poisoning, ingesting

too much alcohol, diarrhea, and strenuous exercise.

2. Some causes of metabolic alkalosis are alkali ingestion, vomiting and constipation

3. The respiratory system compensates for metabolic acidosis or alkalosis by retaining

or disposing of CO2 in the blood

4. The renal system compensates for metabolic acidosis or alkalosis by conserving or

excreting bicarbonate ions.

5. As metabolic rate increases, respiration increases, pCO2 levels increase and pH

decreased

As metabolic rate decreases, respiration decreases, pCO2 levels decreased and pH

increased