ICU learning pathway | Acid base balance and buffers

Acid Base Balance and Buffers
Session overview
Description
An account of acid-base physiology and its relevance to anaesthesia.

By the end of this session you will be able to:

• Describe the chemistry of acids, bases and hydrogen ions
• Explain the pH scale and hydrogen ion concentration
• State the role of buffers
• State physiological compensatory mechanisms
• Describe the principal mechanisms that control hydrogen ion concentration
• Describe the newer physicochemical theories of hydrogen ion control
• Identify the common disorders of hydrogen ion balance　

Anaesthetists are able to influence the acid-base status when providing anaesthetic care. Manipulation of normal physiology, drugs and coexisting acid-base abnormality may all contribute to outcome.

An understanding of the processes that influence normal acid-base physiology, together with abnormalities is essential to ensure safe delivery of care.

This session will review basic physiology and build knowledge of more complex physicochemical processes, that explain disorders of acid-base physiology.