Acid-Base Balance Flashcards
What is the lung chemical involved in acid base balance?
CO2
What are the two kidney chemicals involved in acid base balance?
hydrogen and bicarb
What is the normal pH range?
7.35-7.45
How does an acidotic person act?
Lethargic
How does an alkalotic person act?
Excitable (nervous system)
Is kidney compensation fast or slow?
slow
Is lung compensation fast or slow?
fast
What is the normal lab value for PaO2?
80-100 mmHg
What is the normal lab value for PaCO2?
35-45 mmHg
what is the normal lab value for bicarb/HCO3?
22-26 mEq/L
Which organ has a problem with respiratory acidosis?
lungs
Which organ is going to compensate with respiratory acidosis?
kidneys
What chemical is causing problems in respiratory acidosis?
CO2 (too much)
When someone is in respiratory acidosis are they hyperventilating or hypoventilating?
hypoventilating
How do the kidneys compensate in respiratory acidosis?
The kidneys excrete hydrogen (acid) and retain bicarb (base)
What could happen if respiratory acidosis is not corrected?
coma
What happens to LOC as acid level increases?
goes down
what are signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis?
headache
confusion
sleepy
hypoxia
What are early signs of hypoxia?
restlessness
tachycardia
What is the treatment for respiratory acidosis?
fix the breathing problem
What organ has a problem in respiratory alkalosis?
lungs
What organ is going to compensate in respiratory alkalosis?
Kidneys
What chemical is causing the problem in respiratory alkalosis?
CO2 (too little)
Is someone with respiratory alkalosis hyperventilating or hypoventilating?
hyperventilating
How will the kidneys compensate in respiratory alkalosis?
They will excrete bicarb (base) and retain hydrogen (acid)
Signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis?
lightheaded/faint feeling
peri-oral numbness
numbness and tingling in fingers and toes
Treatment for respiratory alkalosis?
Sedation to decrease respiratory rate
treat the cause
monitor ABG’s
which organ has a problem with metabolic acidosis?
Kidneys
Which organ is going to compensate in metabolic acidosis?
Lungs
What chemicals are causing the problem with metabolic acidosis?
Hydrogen and bicarb
Which chemical is there too much of in metabolic acidosis?
hydrogen
What chemical is there not enough of in metabolic acidosis?
bicarb
How will the lungs compensate in metabolic acidosis?
the respiratory rate will increase to get rid of acid through CO2
Why is DKA and starvation a cause of metabolic acidosis?
the cells are starving during DKA and starvation since there is no glucose available, so the body starts breaking down fat and produces ketones as a byproduct, which is acidic and raises the acid level in the body.
Why is renal failure a cause of metabolic acidosis?
Hydrogen cannot be excreted if the kidneys are not working
Why is severe diarrhea a cause of metabolic acidosis?
This causes a loss of base from the lower GI
What do signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis depend on?
the cause
Why is increased respiratory rate a symptom of metabolic acidosis?
lungs are trying to compensate
What will happen to serum potassium during metabolic acidosis?
increase (hyperkalemia)
What organ has a problem during metabolic alkalosis?
Kidneys
What organ compensates during metabolic alkalosis?
Lungs
What chemical is too high during metabolic alkalosis?
bicarb
What chemical is too low during metabolic alkalosis?
hydrogen
Why is the loss of upper GI contents a cause for metabolic alkalosis?
upper GI contents are acidic. acid loss makes base levels increase
why is too many antacids a cause for metabolic alkalosis?
too much base
What will happen to serum potassium with metabolic alkalosis?
decrease (hypokalemia)
What should be monitored for with metabolic alkalosis?
muscle cramps
life threatening arrhythmias
What is the treatment for metabolic alkalosis?
treat the problem
replace potassium
