Final answer:
Acidosis and alkalosis are conditions indicated by low and high blood pH levels, respectively, and are identified by measuring blood pH, CO2 partial pressure, and bicarbonate levels. They affect enzymatic reactions and are classified as either metabolic or respiratory based on their origin.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Acidosis and Alkalosis
Acidosis is a condition characterized by an excess of hydrogen ions in the blood, leading to a low blood pH value below the normal range of 7.35-7.45. In contrast, alkalosis is a condition where there are too few hydrogen ions, resulting in a high blood pH above the normal range. The normal blood pH is considered to be between 7.35 and 7.45. Conditions outside of this pH range affect enzymatic reactions, with severe pH changes leading to denaturation of enzymes. Metabolic acidosis and alkalosis often stem from kidney issues, while respiratory variations typically compensate for these metabolic changes.
Identifying these conditions involves analyzing three blood variables: pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3-). When diagnosing either acidosis or alkalosis, these values help determine whether the root cause is metabolic or respiratory and whether there has been compensation to correct the imbalance.