Unit 6 Flashcards
(117 cards)
What is acid-base balance?
The homeostasis of the hydrogen ion concentration in body fluids, maintaining a normal pH between 7.35–7.45.
What systems maintain acid-base balance?
Buffer systems, respiratory regulation (lungs), and renal regulation (kidneys).
What is the normal pH range?
7.35 – 7.45
What is the normal range for PaCO₂?
35 – 45 mm Hg
What is the normal range for HCO₃⁻?
22 – 26 mEq/L
What is the normal range for PaO₂?
80 – 100 mm Hg
What is the normal SaO₂ level?
> 95%
What are the three types of buffer systems?
- Chemical buffers
- Respiratory system
- Renal system
What is respiratory acidosis?
A condition caused by hypoventilation leading to CO₂ retention.
What are common causes of respiratory acidosis?
- COPD
- Pneumonia
- Drug overdose
- Respiratory depression
What are the ABG findings for respiratory acidosis?
- ↓ pH (<7.35)
- ↑ PaCO₂ (>45 mm Hg)
- HCO₃⁻ normal or ↑ if compensated
What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis?
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Slow/shallow breathing
- Seizures and coma
- Hypotension
- Warm, flushed skin
What are nursing interventions for respiratory acidosis?
- Improve ventilation (positioning, suctioning, bronchodilators, oxygen with caution in COPD)
- Administer O2
- Put patient in Semi-Fowler’s
- Have patient turn, cough, & take deep breaths
- Pneumonia: increase fluids to thin secretions and administer antibiotics
- Monitor K+ levels
What is respiratory alkalosis?
A condition caused by hyperventilation leading to CO₂ loss.
What are common causes of respiratory alkalosis?
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Fever
- Early sepsis
What are the ABG findings for respiratory alkalosis?
- ↑ pH (>7.45)
- ↓ PaCO₂ (<35 mm Hg)
- HCO₃⁻ normal or ↓ if compensated
What are the signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis?
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Numbness/tingling
- Palpitations/Tachycardia
What are nursing interventions for respiratory alkalosis?
- Encourage slow breathing
- Reduce anxiety/stress
What is metabolic acidosis?
A condition caused by HCO₃⁻ loss or H⁺ gain.
What are common causes of metabolic acidosis?
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Renal failure
- Diarrhea
- Lactic acidosis
What are the ABG findings for metabolic acidosis?
- ↓ pH (<7.35)
- ↓ HCO₃⁻ (<22 mEq/L)
- PaCO₂ normal or ↓ if compensating
What are the signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis?
- Kussmaul respirations
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Dysrhythmias
- Hypotension
What are nursing interventions for metabolic acidosis?
- Treat underlying cause (insulin for DKA, fluids, dialysis)
- Monitor potassium
What is metabolic alkalosis?
A condition caused by HCO₃⁻ excess or acid loss.