pH imbalance

Question 1

s/s of repiratory acidosis

Answer 1

Headache
Blurred vision
Breathlessness
Lethargy
Disorientation
Muscle twitching, tremors or convulsions

Question 2

resp acidosis

what is it and causes

Answer 2

If too little CO2 is expelled this leaves too much H+ in the blood, resulting in a fall in blood pH. pH less than 7.35

causes - Depression of brainstem respiratory centers (e.g. due to certain drugs or trauma)
A failure of ventilation:
Decreased neuromuscular control of ventilation (e.g. with conditions like Myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre)
Respiratory conditions/hypoventilation/decreased gas exchange (e.g. increased airway resistance, COPD, pneumonia)

Question 3

resp acidosis treatment

Answer 3

BIPAP/CPAP
mechanical ventilation
bicarbonate

Question 4

respiratory alkalosis

what is it

Answer 4

If too much CO2 is expelled this leaves too little H+ in the blood resulting in a rise in blood pH
pH higher than 7.45

Question 5

resp alkalosis

causes

Answer 5

hyperventilation (deep rapid breathing)

which can occur due to Hypoxemia (e.g. with pulmonary disorders, congestive heart failure, increased altitude)
Pain
Anxiety or fear
Fever or sepsis

Question 6

s/s of resp alkalosis

Answer 6

Dizziness
Confusion
Paraesthesia (tingling sensation)
Convulsions
Muscle spasms in fingers & toes, tetany

Question 7

treatment of resp alkalosis

Answer 7

mindfullness
turn down ventilation

Question 8

metabolic acidosis

what is it and causes

Answer 8

If too much bicarbonate (HCO3-) is excreted/lost or if there is an increase in acid production/exposure, then blood pH will fall. less than 7.35. This can occur due to:

Increased bicarbonate (HCO3-) loss (normal anion gap metabolic acidosis):
Renal loss (i.e. with renal failure)
GI loss (e.g. diarrhea, pancreatitis)
Increased acid production/exposure (increased anion gap metabolic acidosis):
Increased lactic acid production (e.g. increased anaerobic respiration due to ischemia or hypoxemia)
Ketoacidosis (alcoholic, diabetic, starvation)
Exposure to certain toxic substances (e.g. anti-freeze, glues)
Certain medications (e.g. paracetemol, aspirin)

Question 9

s/s metabolic acidosis

Answer 9

Headache
Lethargy
Confusion, coma
Hyperventilation, Kussmaul’s respiration
Nausea/vomiting, diarrhea
Arrhythmias, hypotension
tachycardia
intense reflexes
cramps

Question 10

treatment metabolic acidosis

Answer 10

iv fluids
treat electrolytes
give insulin if thats cause

body can hyperventilate to remove excess CO2

Question 11

metabolic alkalosis

what is it and causes

Answer 11

If too much hydrogen/acids are lost or too much bicarbonate (HCO3-) is retained, then blood pH will rise. higher than 7.45 This can occur due to:

Increased acid loss:
Increased renal loss (e.g. diuretics, increased liquorice ingestion, Cushing’s syndrome)
GI loss (e.g. vomiting)
Increased bicarbonate (HCO3-) retention occurs if there is excess administration of bicarbonate (e.g. IV solution)
Dehydration which can result in both acid loss and bicarbonate retention

Question 12

metabolic alkalosis s/s

Answer 12

Signs & symptoms of metabolic alkalosis may include:

Weakness
Muscle cramps, tetany
Hyper-reflexia (increase reflex)
Hypoventilation (slow, shallow breaths)
Confusion
Convulsions
Atrial tachycardia

Question 13

metabolic alkalosis treatment

Answer 13

iv fluids
treat w/ electrolytes

Question 14

arterial blood pH level

and what is too far

Answer 14

7.35-7.45

below 6.8 means death above 7.8 is death