Acid-Base Imbalances Clinical Chemistry Review 123
CONDITION pH PCO 2 HCO 3 − COMPENSATION TO RE-ESTABLISH 20:1 RATIO
Respiratory acidosis ↓↑ N Kidneys retain HCO 3 −, excrete H+
Metabolic acidosis ↓ N ↓ Hyperventilation (blow off CO 2 )
Respiratory alkalosis ↑↓ N Kidneys excrete HCO 3 −, retain H+
Metabolic alkalosis ↑ N ↑ Hypoventilation (retain CO 2 )