In a mainstream capnograph, the CO2 sensor is located between the endotracheal tube and the breathing circuit. In a sidestream capnograph, the sensor is located in the main unit and away from the airway. Between the endotracheal tube and the breathing circuit sits a sampling...
The law of 8 is not a law as the name suggests, but a graphic model in which the circulation is depicted in the form of an 8. It’s a useful way to remember some of the major aspects of the circulatory system. At the...
A normal ECG comprises of three recognizable waves: P wave: represents the depolarization of the atria QRS complex: represents the depolarization of the ventricles. In this stage the electrical signal travels from the endocardium to the epicardium of the ventricles. T wave: this represents the...
During depolarization, the cell undergoes a change in electric charge distribution. The membrane potential of the cell changes rapidly from negative to positive. Positively charged Na+ ions travel to the inside of the cell, where they add a positive charge. This eventually changes the membrane...
The bicarbonate buffer system is used to maintain the pH in the blood, which is necessary to maintain proper metabolic function. This system involves: Carbonic acid (H2CO3) Bicarbonate ion (HCO3-) Carbon dioxide (CO2) Carbon dioxide (CO2) reacts with water (H2O) and forms carbonic acid (H2CO3)....
Many substances can be divided into acids and bases. An acid is a molecule or ion that is able to donate a proton (a H+ ion) or is able to form a covalent bond with an electron pair. A base is a substance that can...