Final answer:
Normal arterial blood pH ranges from 7.35 to 7.45, with levels below indicating acidosis and levels above indicating alkalosis. Normal bicarbonate levels are 22-29 mM. Imbalances in these levels can result in metabolic or respiratory disorders, with the body compensating to maintain pH homeostasis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The normal range of arterial blood pH is 7.35 to 7.45. When blood pH dips below 7.35, the condition is known as acidosis, which can make an individual lethargic and cause symptoms like headache and confusion.
When blood pH rises above 7.45, it is called alkalosis, leading to symptoms such as cognitive impairment, numbness, muscle spasms, and nausea. These conditions are often related to changes in bicarbonate levels, a critical buffer in the blood system.
Normal bicarb levels are between 22-29 mM (millimoles per liter) in venous blood. Values below the normal range can indicate metabolic acidosis, while elevated levels might suggest metabolic alkalosis. Respiratory compensation may occur to adjust these levels, with pCO₂ adjusting accordingly to help restore blood pH balance.
For example, in metabolic acidosis, the amount of bicarbonate in the blood is lower than normal. Initially, the pCO₂ would remain normal, but over time, it may decrease as the body attempts to return to the proper balance of bicarbonate and carbonic acid/CO₂ ratios.
This compensation is a crucial aspect of the body's ability to maintain pH homeostasis.