Study 3 Compensation and Mixed Acid–Base Disorders with 12 free online flashcards. Review key terms, definitions, and concepts with this interactive flashcard deck.
Which system compensates for metabolic disturbances?
The lungs compensate for metabolic disturbances, while the kidneys compensate for respiratory disturbances. Compensation moves pH toward normal but does not correct the underlying cause.
What does compensation outside the expected range suggest?
A measured response outside the expected range suggests an additional primary acid–base disorder, not “overcompensation.”
What is Winter’s formula for metabolic acidosis?
Winter’s formula is expected PaCO2=1.5×HCO3−+8, with an expected range of ±2 mm Hg.
In metabolic acidosis, what does a PaCO₂ above Winter’s range suggest?
A PaCO₂ higher than Winter’s predicted range indicates an additional respiratory acidosis.
How is expected PaCO₂ estimated in metabolic alkalosis?
Estimate PaCO2=40+0.6×(HCO3−−24) mm Hg. Compensation usually does not raise PaCO₂ above about 55 mm Hg.
What bicarbonate change is expected in acute respiratory acidosis?
For each 10-mm Hg rise in PaCO₂ above 40, HCO₃⁻ rises about 1 mEq/L.
What bicarbonate change is expected in chronic respiratory acidosis?
For each 10-mm Hg rise in PaCO₂ above 40, HCO₃⁻ rises about 3–4 mEq/L.
What bicarbonate change is expected in acute respiratory alkalosis?
For each 10-mm Hg fall in PaCO₂ below 40, HCO₃⁻ falls about 2 mEq/L.
What bicarbonate change is expected in chronic respiratory alkalosis?
For each 10-mm Hg fall in PaCO₂ below 40, HCO₃⁻ falls about 5–7 mEq/L.
What baseline values are used to judge respiratory compensation?
For respiratory disorders, compare measured HCO₃⁻ with expectations based on baseline PaCO₂ of 40 mm Hg and HCO₃⁻ of 24 mEq/L.
Why does the duration of a respiratory disorder matter when judging compensation?
Respiratory compensation is fast, while renal compensation takes longer. Use the clinical history to distinguish acute from chronic respiratory disorders.
Does a near-normal pH rule out a mixed acid–base disorder?
No. A near-normal pH can result from opposing primary processes; compare the measured compensatory variable with its predicted range.
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