Respiratory Alkalosis Review

Respiratory Alkalosis

• What is the cause of respiratory alkalosis? Click all that apply.

___ Excess H⁺ generated in the body

___ Loss of H⁺ from the body

___ Loss of CO₂ from the body

___ Buildup of CO₂ in the body

• Respiratory alkalosis occurs when too much carbon dioxide is eliminated from the body because of hyperventilation.

• As a result of respiratory alkalosis, which direction will this reaction go?

CO₂ + H₂O H₂CO₃ HCO₃^- + H⁺

Carbon dioxide Water Carbonic acid Bicarbonate Hydrogen ion

• The equilibrium reaction shifts to the left as acid is used up.

• As acid is used up, which direction will the reaction go?

• Which of the following would be observed in simple, uncompensated respiratory alkalosis

___ CO₂ rises

___ CO₂ falls

___ HCO₃^- rises

___ HCO₃^- falls

• Yes, CO₂ falls due to hyperventilation.

• What system will compensate for respiratory alkalosis?

___ Respiratory system

___ Renal system

• Over time, the renal system will compensate by excreting excess base.

Category: Biochemistry Notes