Metabolic acidosis is a pathological condition that arises when the blood pH fal
ID: 888425 • Letter: M
Question
Metabolic acidosis is a pathological condition that arises when the blood pH falls due to excessive acid production. The excess protons in the blood decrease the amount of HCO3- and thus reduce the buffering capacity of blood. A rapid drop in pH can lead to death. The normal blood pH = 7.4 and the bicarbonate and carbon dioxide concentrations are 24 mM, and 1.2 mM respectively.
a.) If after a few hours of intense exercise, a marathon runner’s blood pH was found to be 7.1 and the bicarbonate concentration was 8 mM. What is the concentration of CO2 in the athlete’s blood? (Bicarbonate pKa = 6.1).
b.) A second athlete had had a blood pH = 7.03 and [CO2] = 1.2 mM, what is the blood [HCO3-]? What can you say about the health of this individual? Suggest a treatment for this condition.
c.) How might your suggestion in (b) be of benefit to middle distance runners (involving endurance running as well as sprinting)?
Explanation / Answer
2)
pH of buffer = pka + log [Na2HPO4]/[NaH2PO4]
7.1 = 6.1 + log [CO2]/[HCO3-]
[co2] = ? [HCO3-]= 8mM
(7.1-6.1) = log(x/8)
[co2] = 80 mM
3) pH of buffer = pka + log [Na2HPO4]/[NaH2PO4]
7.03 = 6.1 + log [CO2]/[HCO3-]
(7.03-6.1) = log(1.2/x)
[HCO3-] = 0.141 mM
in this [HCO3-] is lesser than normal .so that it is necessary to enhance [HCO3-]
concentration . to do that it is better to take base. so that [HCO3-] concentration level will be increased.