Acid Base Balance

Question 1

Respiratory Acidosis causes

Answer 1

Primary defects in the function of the lungs.
Or by changes in normal respiratory patterns by secondary problems that obstruct or depress the airway like:
Hypoventilation
COPD
Pulmonary edema
Pneumonia
Atelectasis
Asthma
Bronchitis
Infection
Meds such as sedatives, narcotics or anesthetics
Brain trauma
PH less than 7.35 and PCO2 greater than 45mm Hg

Question 2

Respiratory alkalosis causes

Answer 2

Caused by conditions that over stimulate the respiratory status like:
Hyperventilation
Hypoxemia 
Fever
Early stages of salicylate poisoning 
Reaction to certain meds
Pain
Anxiety 
Hysteria 
PH is greater than 7.45 and PCO2 is less than 35 mm Hg

Question 3

Metabolic Acidosis causes

Answer 3

Excessive burning of fats like pts with DM 60-20-20 diet or clients on low carbs high protein to lose weight.
Malnutrition
PH less than 7.35 and HCO3 less than 22 mEq/L
Give IV bicarbonate or lactate (kussmaul respirations)

Question 4

Metabolic Alkalosis causes

Answer 4

Hypokalemia 
Vomiting 
Gastric suction 
Intestinal fistulas 
Diuretics 
Corticosteroid therapy

Question 5

Analyzing arterial blood gas results

Answer 5

In acidosis the PH is down
In alkalosis the PH is up
The Resp function indicator is the PCO2
The metabolic function indicator is the HCO3
Look at the blood report: is the PH up or down if up alkalosis if down acidosis!
PCO2: is it up or down? If it reflects an opposite response as the PH then it’s respiratory. If it does not have an opposite response as the PH then look at the HCO3.
HCO3: does the HCO3 reflect a corresponding response to the PH if it does then it is a metabolic imbalance.

Question 6

Allen test

Answer 6

Testing for collateral circulation to the hand by evaluating the radial and ulnar arteries
Pressure point the two arteries the release pressure to the ulnar artery if the hand does not turn pink with in 6secs the ulnar artery is bad.