Acid Base Balance

Question 1

respiratory acidosis

Answer 1

Caused by HYPOventilation: mid-abdominal incision, narcotics, sleeping pills, pneumothorax, collapsed lungs, pneumonia

-too much Co2 in the body
-body must excrete hydrogen and retain bicarb
-kidneys will remove excess CO2 by excreting through the urine
pH <7.35, pCO2 >45

Question 2

signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis

Answer 2

-headache
-confusion
-sleepy
-if not corrected–> coma
-hypoxia (restlessness and tachycardia)

Question 3

treatment for respiratory acidosis

Answer 3

-fix the breathing
-pneumonia: liquefy and mobilize secretions with
-postural drainage
-percussion
-deep breathing exercises
-suctioning
-fluids
-elevate HOB
-incentive spirometry

encourage post-op clients to turn, cough and deep breathe

Question 4

causes of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 4

-hyperventilation
-hysterical situation
-acute aspirin overdose

Question 5

signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis

Answer 5

-lightheaded or faint feeling
-peri-oral numbness
-numbness and tingling in fingers and toes

Question 6

treatment for respiratory alkalosis

Answer 6

-may have to sedate client to decrease RR
-treat the cause
-monitor ABGS

Question 7

causes of metabolic acidosis

Answer 7

-DKA
-starvation (no glucose, fat broken down into ketones)
-Renal failure
-Severe diarrhea

Question 8

signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis

Answer 8

-hyperkalemia: muscle twitching, muscle weakness, flaccid paralysis and arrhythmias
-Kussmaul respirations

Question 9

Treatment of metabolic acidosis

Answer 9

treat the cause!!!

Question 10

causes of metabolic alkalosis

Answer 10

-loss of upper GI contents
-too many antacids

Question 11

signs and symptoms of metabolic alkalosis

Answer 11

-depends on the cause
-observe LOC
-serum potassium level decreases
-muscle cramps
-life-threatening arrhythmias

Question 12

treatment for metabolic alkalosis

Answer 12

-treat the cause
-replace potassium