Acid Base Imbalances: Four types Flashcards
Three adaptive mechanisms (first, second, third)
- Chemical buffer system
- Respiratory system
- Renal system
Chemical buffer system
Primary regulator, immediate action
Chemical buffer system action
Chemicals combine with acids and bases to minimize pH changes
Chemical buffer system types
Carbonic Acid-Bicarbonate (HCO3)
Protein buffering
Respiratory system mechanism
Secondary system
Responds within minutes
Action of respiratory system
Elimination or retention of carbon dioxide
Renal system mechanism
Secondary system
Responds within 2-3 days
Renal system action
Secretion or reabsorption of hydrogen and bicarbonate
Produces more acidic or alkaline urine
Respiratory Acidosis
Decrease in alveolar ventilation causing excess carbon dioxide in blood
Causes of respiratory acidosis
Inadequate respirations
Respiratory failure
Inadequate blood / gas exchange
Causes of inadequate respirations
Pain Narcotics Atelectasis Pneumonia COPD(chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Asthma
Clinical manifestations of respiratory acidosis
Shallow respirations
Headache and blurred vision
Hypoxia (breathlessness, apprehension)
Mental changes (Disorientation, drowsiness, dizziness)
Respiratory acidosis treatment
Treat underlying cause -treat pain -reduce narcotic disease -encourage deep breathing Administer oxygen
Respiratory acidosis compensation
By renal system
- Elimination of hydrogen
- Retention of bicarbonate
Respiratory alkalosis
Alveolar hyperventilation
Reduction in plasma CO2 levels
Causes of respiratory alkalosis
Anxiety Fever Respiratory infections Pain Over oxygenation
Clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis
Mental changes
Numbness and tingling in extremities (dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion)
Respiratory alkalosis treatment
- Treat underlying cause
- Encourage slow breathing
- Paper bag breathing
- Sedatives
Respiratory alkalosis compensation
By renal system
- Decreases hydrogen excretion
- Decreases bicarbonate reabsorption
Metabolic acidosis
Acids increase or bicarbonate is lost
Causes of metabolic acidosis
Loss of intestinal contents (diarrhea)
Diabetes
Renal failure
Metabolic acidosis clinical manifestations
Kussmaul respirations (blowing off CO2) Weakness Nausea and vomiting Abdominal pain Mental changes (headache, confusion, lethargy, drowsiness)
Treatment for metabolic acidosis
Treat underlying cause
Give IV bicarbonate
Compensation for metabolic acidosis
By respiratory system
- Kussmaul respirations
- Attempt to increase pH by “blowing off” CO2
Metabolic alkalosis
Excessive loss of acids, increase in bicarbonate
Causes of metabolic acidosis
Loss of gastric acid content
Diuretics
Clinical manifestations of metabolic alkalosis
Mental changes Tetany Tingling in extremities Tachycardia Hypoventilation
Treatment of metabolic alkalosis
Treat underlying cause
May need fluid replacement
Metabolic alkalosis compensation
By respiratory system
Breathing is suppressed to hold CO2
