Acid-Base Metabolism Lecture Notes

Key Concepts

• If the lungs are not involved in acid-base balance, it is a metabolic issue.
• Types of acid-base status: Acidosis (acidic) or Alkalosis (basic).

Memory Tricks for Acid and Base

• Acid is associated with the stomach.
• Base is associated with the butt.

Diarrhea

• When diarrhea occurs, it leads to loss of base:
  • Results in Metabolic Acidosis because base is leaving the body.

Vomiting

• Vomiting leads to loss of acid:
  • Results in Metabolic Alkalosis because acid is being expelled from the body.

Example Questions

1. Client on Continuous NG Tube Suctioning for 3 Days:

   • Expected Acid-Base Imbalance: Metabolic Alkalosis
     • Reasoning: The stomach acid is being continuously suctioned out, leading to a loss of acid.

2. 28-Year-Old Nursing Student with Nausea and Vomiting:

   • Expected Acid-Base Imbalance: Metabolic Alkalosis
     • Reasoning: Vomiting leads to loss of stomach acid, resulting in an alkalotic state.

Conclusion

• Understanding the relationship between the stomach, butt, acid, and base is crucial for identifying metabolic imbalances in patients.