Understandings:
This chapter (14) focuses on the concept of acid-base balance.
This balance is facilitated through the body's control of hydrogen ion (H+) production and elimination.
Body fluid pH is a measure of the body fluids free hydrogen ion level.
This value has the narrowest range of normal and the tightest control mechanisms of all electrolytes. Keeping the pH within the normal range involves balancing acids and bases in body fluids.
Normal pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45 for arterial blood and from 7.31 to 7.41 for venous blood.
It is important for students to understand how to keep the pH of the blood within the normal range, because changes from normal interfere with many physiologic functions.
These changes include changing the shape and reducing the function of hormones and enzymes, changing the distribution of other electrolytes, changing excitable membranes, and decreasing the effectiveness of many drugs.
Fortunately, the body has many mechanisms to ensure minimal changes in free hydrogen ion level.
Teach students that these mechanisms include concepts such as buffering and compensation, and conduct a discussion about the processes of respiratory and metabolic acidosis and alkalosis.
Content Goals:
Click to enter your content goals. These comprise the raw information that students should know at the end of the unit.