Acid-Base Flashcards
Ph is the concentration of what?
H+ concentration
The higher the H+ concentration the more ____ something will be
acidic
pH
7.35-7.45
Acids release or accepted H+?
release
3 Primary buffer systems
Hemoglobin, Plasma Protein, Bicarbonate system
Hemoglobin buffer system
maintains balance called chloride shift: exchanges Chloride with HCO3 (Bicarbonate)
Buffer System does what??
Prevents major changes in he pH by either accepting or releasing H+. Can start within minutes when there is a problem
Plasma Protein buffer system does what?
Works with liver to either attract or release H+
Bicarbonate (HCO3+) buffer system does what?
maintains blood pH at 7.4 and neutralizes strong acid to weaker one
Carbon dioxide + Water =
Carbonic acid H2CO3
If there is an excess of Carbonic Acid (H2CO3), What does our respiratory system do?
Reparations increase in order to blow off the excess CO2
Respiratory function & how long does it take to kick in
Releases neutralized carbonic acid (H2CO3) in Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Water (H20) and H+ is inactivated & excreted. Takes minutes to days after buffer system
Kidney Function & how long does it take to kick in
Makes or reabsorbs bicarbonate (HCO3). Takes Hours to days to kick in after Respiratory system
Which artery is blood taken to test ABG?
Radial or ulnar artery most common. Requires specialized training (Resp therapy, RN, or lab tech)
How long do you have to put pressure on site after blood is taken from artery for ABG test?
Hold pressure on site for at least 5-10 minutes (or longer if they are on Coumadin)
Allen Test
Determines the circulation from arteries to hand. If circulation is bad, do other hand. If both are bad pick the best one. This is done before blood is drawn
PCO2 normal levels
35-45
HCO3
22-26
PO2
80-100
PO2 function
to see if the blood has enough oxygen for cellular function. Only used for respiratory function
CO2 function
measures respiratory effectiveness. If resp is working, CO2 will be between 35-45
Hypercapnia
Increase in CO2 >45
Hypoxia
O2 level <80
Low HCO3, low pH =
Metabolic acidosis
High HCO3, High pH =
Metabolic Alkalosis
High CO2, low pH =
Respiratory Acidosis
Low CO2, high pH =
Respiratory Alkalosis
pH <6.8=
death
pH>7.46 =
death
Main causes of Respiratory alkalosis
Hyperventilation
If pH, CO2 & HCO3 are all messed up, it means it is a _____ compensation
partial
Whenever pH is normal, it means it is a ____ compensation
full
Things that lead to Metabolic acidosis
Lactic acid (tissue hypoxia), Acute/chronic renal failure, ASA poisoning, severe diarrhea, abdominal fluid loss, diabetics, starvation, alcoholism, diuretics, loss of HCO3
metabolic nursing diagnosis for metabolic acidosis
Decreased cardiac output, Risk for excess fluid volume, risk for injury
Metabolic acidosis testing
ABG, Electrolytes. ECG
Metabolic acidosis Treatment
Treat underlying cause, NaHCO3 (sodium bicarbonate) may be administered
What are you looking for when a patient has metabolic acidosis?
looking for a decrease in HCO3
Acidosis s/s
Headache, lethargy, N/V, abdominal pain, LOC changes, Cardiac changes, Respirations increase (Kussmaul Respirations), hyperkalemia,
Electrolytes will be high or low with metabolic acidosis?
high, CNS depressed
Causes of metabolic alkalosis
Hospitalization, hypokalemia, overuse of certain antacids, chronic use of diuretics, NG suction
s/s of metabolic alkalosis
low calcium, numbness, tingling, dizziness, confusion decreased in LOC, hyperflexia, tetany, decreased BP, seizures, respiratory failure
Diagnostic tests for metabolic alkalosis
urine chloride levels
Treatment for metabolic alkalosis
Restore fluid volume KCL, NACL solution
Electrolytes will be high or low with metabolic alkalosis
low, CNS stimulated
Causes of Respiratory acidosis
Acute/chronic disease, neuromuscular disease, chest trauma, anything that interferes with respiration
<70% oxygen saturation =
life threatening
<85% oxygen saturation =
hypoxia
Pulse oximetry
saturation of oxygen on each red blood cell
s/s of acute respiratory acidosis
headache, altered mental status, decreased LOC, increased intracranial pressure, cardiac arrest, increased RR or pulse
s/s of chronic respiratory acidosis
weakness, dull headache, sleep disturbances (sleep apnea), impaired memory
Treatment for respiratory acidosis
Bronchodilators, resp. support, adequate hydration,
Nursing diagnosis for respiratory acidosis
Impaired gas exchange, ineffective airway clearance
nursing diagnosis for respiratory alkalosis
ineffective breathing pattern
s/s for respiratory alkalosis
dizziess, numbness/tingling of the mouth, palpatations, chest tightness, tetant, tremors, seizures, LOC
Treatment for respiratory alkalosis
medications-sedatives, adjust ventilator setting (rate may be too high), treat underlying cause
Arterial lines are used for:
continuous monitoring of BP, measures SBP, DBP, MAP (mean arterial pressure), access for ABGs & other blood draws
Where are Arterial lines usually located & what are you looking for?
artery (radial), sutured in, occlusive dressing, check for hematoma (swelling of blood), circulation, neuro status below site