Acid base and ABGs

Question 1

what are the main pH buffers

Answer 1

protein
haemoglobin
carbonic acid and bicarb

Question 2

what is standard bicarbonate

Answer 2

calculated under standard conditions

reflects the metabolic component of acid base balance

Question 3

what patients are at risk of hypercapnic respiratory failure

Answer 3

COPD with too high oxygen

Question 4

what is a normal pO2 in relation to FiO2 (P/F ratio)

Answer 4

2/3rds FiO2

Must be more than 50

Question 5

how can you detect a primary respiratory problem

Answer 5

pH and pCO2 are changing in different directions

Question 6

if both CO2 and HCO3 move in the same direction then what can you deduce

Answer 6

more than one pathology is present

Question 7

what can you deduce if CO2 and HCO3 are moving in the same directions

Answer 7

compensation may be occuring

Question 8

how do the kidneys compensate for respiratory acidosis

Answer 8

retains bicarb

Question 9

where do you aspirate in a tension pneumothorax

Answer 9

2nd intercostal space in the mid-clavicular line.

above the rib

Question 10

tension pneumothorax

Answer 10

mediastinum shifts away from the injury