Acid-Base Game (ABGAME)

Description: ABGAME is an acid-base tutorial in a game format. The user can select a tutorial lesson or the game format at the start of the program. The tutorial provides a review of the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation and the relationship between PaCO2, HCO3 and pH in the body using a Davenportgram. The tutorial also graphically presents renal tubular mechanisms of H+ and HCO3 excretion or reabsorption. Acid-base terminology is introduced and renal and respiratory mechanisms of compensation are depicted on the Davenportgram. The game portion of the program presents abnormal acid-base conditions by randomly assigning values for PaCO2 and HCO3, then calculating the resultant pH. The user can alter body size of the patient, oxygen consumption, haemoglobin concentration and plasma protein. The user gains points by making the correct diagnosis and completely correcting the acid-base abnormality. Treatment consists of adjusting ventilation and infusing either basic or acidic solutions to correct metabolic imbalances.

Comments & References: Menu-driven. Primarily designed as a review and reinforcement technique for a systemic, organ physiology course. Text is kept to a minimum and the emphasis is placed on graphics and simulations to provide for active participation by the user(s). Described in Bioscience 37: p. 511-513, 1987. See record numbers 141, 694, 695, 696, 721, 739, 803 and 4635 for the other 8 records in the Comp-Edu-Grams series. This item may be borrowed for up to 6 weeks through the Alternative Loan System of the International Network for Humane Education (InterNICHE), free of charge, but return postage must be paid by the person who has borrowed the product. Please note that there are practical limitations on where some items can be sent. Please contact loansystem@interniche.org and see http://www.interniche.org for more information.

Computer type: IBM

Price: Single user per disc: US$40.00; Site license provides unlimited local use of the program at a cost of US$200.00 per disc. Loan Program: Free of charge

Version: 3.0