Acid Base Interpretation Flashcards
Rule of the Bs
Bicarb, Both, Bolic
- If pH and bicarb are in OPPOSITE direction, or one is NORMAL, it’s RESPIRATORY
Normal ABG Values
pH: 7.35-7.45
HCO3 (bicarb): 22-26
CO2 (respiratory): 45-35
AciDosis
Decreased pH
Alkalosis
Elevated pH
As the pH goes…..
So goes my patient. (Except potassium)
Signs of Alkalosis (elevated pH)
(Elevated symptoms except K+)
-irritability
-hyperreflexia (+3,+4)
-tachypnea
-tachycardia
-borborygme (hyperactive bowel)
-HYPOKALEMIA
Signs of AciDosis (Decreased pH)
(Decreased signs except K+)
-hyporeflexia
-bradycardia
-lethargy
-obtunded (more lethargic)
-parlytic ileus
-coma
-HYPERKALEMIA
Acid base imbalance most likely to SEIZE
Alkalosis (suction equipment at bedside)
Acid base imbalance most likely to have respiratory arrest
Acidosis (ambu bag at bedside)
Only acid base to cause KUSSMAULS respirations
Metabolic Acidosis
(Kussmauls is deep and labored breathing - compensatory mechanism)
Questions to ask to find causes of acid base imbalances
Is it lung (respiratory)?
Or not lung (metabolic)?
Are they overventilating (alkalosis)?
Or underventilating (acidosis)?
Always pay attention to SaO2
What determines over/under ventilation
SaO2 - NOT respiratory rate!
If you don’t know what it is…..
Metabolic Acidosis