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Acid-Base Physiology

Course Id 230419
Course Name Acid-Base Physiology
Course Catagory Respiratory Care
Course Price 44.72
Course CEU 4

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • Explain the chemical basis of pH, including its logarithmic derivation and clinical significance.
  • Identify normal arterial blood gas values for pH, PaCO2, PaO2, HCO3-, and base excess.
  • Define acidosis and alkalosis and distinguish primary from compensatory disorders.
  • Apply a systematic stepwise method to interpret arterial blood gas results.
  • Describe the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and its relationship to respiratory and metabolic acid-base regulation.
  • Explain the physiological roles of the bicarbonate buffer system, respiratory regulation, and renal compensation in maintaining acid-base homeostasis.
  • Identify and differentiate the four primary acid-base disorders and their mixed presentations.
  • Describe the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and its relationship to PaO2 and SaO2.
  • Explain how pH, temperature, and carbon dioxide shift the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve and their clinical implications.
  • Define dyshemoglobinemia and explain how carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin alter oxygen-carrying capacity and pulse oximetry readings.
  • Correlate acid-base disturbances with specific clinical conditions encountered in respiratory therapy practice.
  • Describe the impact of mechanical ventilation on acid-base balance and apply ventilator adjustments to correct respiratory acid-base disorders.

Course Information