R. O. M. E???

[fullstopltd]

Hi my names tim,

This is my first post on the forum so please be nice :)))

I'm a male nursing student in Hamilton new Zealand and am about to hit my 2nd semester.

I have been pre studying this semesters science notes and have come a across Rome, respiratory opposite metabolic equal. I'm having a hard time understanding this? Can anyone lend me a hand?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I think it's probably someone's effort to give you a way to remember compensation for acid-base derangements. I'm not sure what it means myself, but there are any number of ways to learn acid-base balance; you must use whatever works for you. Here's the link to one thread you might find useful.

Welcome to AllNurses!

https://allnurses.com/nursing-student-assistance/need-help-arterial-811976.html

[fullstopltd]

Thank you I really appreciate the reply, yeah our lectures tend to be alil confusing in their layout, that link is mighty helpful :)

What I don't get is how increased co2 causes acidosis? Because there's no Hydrogen, so how does co2 lower ph levels?

[Stephalump]

RO: With respiratory acidosis/alkalosis, the pH and Co2 will move in opposite directions.

When looking at ABGs of a pt with respiratory acidosis, pH will be low and pCO2 will be high.

In respiratory alkalosis, pH will be high and pCO2 will be low.

ME: HCO3 and pH will move in the same direction when you're looking for metabolic disturbances.

In metabolic acidosis, pH will be low and so will HCO3. And so on and so forth.

It's just supposed to be a memory trigger.

[fullstopltd]

Thanks!!!! That's really helpful. Im getting it now :)

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

If you think of CO2 as an acid, all becomes clear. That's how it works, and that's why hyperventilation is the body's first choice of compensation for a metabolic acidosis.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Thank you I really appreciate the reply, yeah our lectures tend to be alil confusing in their layout, that link is mighty helpful :)

What I don't get is how increased co2 causes acidosis? Because there's no Hydrogen, so how does co2 lower ph levels?

CO2 is an acid. So if you have a state of MORE acid, you have an acidotic state.

[Stephalump]

Also, CO2 bonds with water to make...carbonic acid. Extra CO2 = more carbonic acid.

Any acid will dissociate into at least two parts, one being free hydrogen ions.

Free hydrogen ions are what determine pH. The more you have, the lower the pH.

[fullstopltd]

I get it!! Yay! Thanks heaps, makes so much sense now, relating it to the fact that excess co2 will create carbonic acid clicked it!!

[Stephalump]

Awesome! Good luck to ya :)