Chapter 9, Problem 9.60PP

A person who overdoses on antacids may neutralize too much stomach acid, which causes an imbalance in the bicarbonate equilibrium in die Wood.

${\text{CO}}_2\left(g\right)+{\text{ 2H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}\left(l\right)\rightleftharpoons {\text{H}}_{\text{3}}{\text{O}}^{\text{+}}\left(aq\right)+{\text{ HCO}}_{\text{3}}^{\text{-}}(aq)$

1. a. How does blood pH change when this occurs?
2. b. In which direction will the bicarbonate equilibrium shift during an Alka-Seltzer^® overdose?
3. c. What is this condition called?
4. d. To treat severe forms of this condition, patients are administered NH₄C1, which acts as a weak acid. How does this restore the bicarbonate equilibrium?
5. e. In which direction will the bicarbonate equilibrium shift as the pH returns to normal?