In acid base disorders an initial change in levels of acid or base is followed by a compensatory response attempting to return the system to a balanced state.
Disorder
Initial Change
Compensatory Response
metabolic acidosis
decreased HCO3-
1.1-1.3 mm Hg decrease in pCO2 for every 1 mEq/L decrease in HCO3-
metabolic alkalosis
increased HCO3-
0.6-0.7 mm Hg increase in pCO2 for every 1 mEq/L increase in HCO3-
respiratory acidosis, acute
increased pCO2
1 mEq/L increase in HCO3- for every 10 mm Hg increase in pCO2; ratio of change in pH to change PCO2 0.008
respiratory acidosis, chronic
increased pCO2
3.0-3.5 mEq/L increase in HCO3- for every 10 mm Hg increase in pCO2; ratio of change in pH to change PCO2 0.003
respiratory alkalosis, acute
decreased pCO2
2.0-2.5 mEq/L decrease in HCO3- for every 10 mm Hg decrease in pCO2; ratio of change in pH to change PCO2 0.008
respiratory alkalosis, chronic
decreased pCO2
4.0-5.0 mEq/L decrease in HCO3- for every 10 mm Hg decrease in pCO2; ratio of change in pH to change PCO2 0.002
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