Arterial Blood Gases (ABG) Flashcards
respiratory acidosis pathophysiology
lung problem: they are retaining too much CO2
kidneys are compensating: excrete excess hydrogen and retain bicarb (HCO3)
PH: >7.35
CO2: >45
HCO3: >26
ph levels
7.35-7.45
HCO3 (bicarbonate levels)
22-26
PaCO2 levels
35-45
causes of respiratory acidosis
retaining CO2: DEPRESS
D: drugs (opiods/sedatives), diseases (myasthenia gravis, Guillian Baire syndrome)
E: edema
P: pneumonia (excess mucus in the lungs= affects gas exchange)
R: respiratory center of the brain is damaged
E: emboli (blocks pulmonary artery/branch)
S: spasms of the bronchial (asthma= blocks exchange)
S: sac elasticity damage (COPD/emphysema/smoking)
what are the S/S of respiratory acidosis?
low BP, RR
high HR
restlessness
confusion
headache
sleepy/coma
what are the nursing interventions for respiratory acidosis?
administer O2
semi-Fowler’s position
hold respiratory depression drugs
TCDB
pneumonia: increase fluids to thin secretions and administer antibiotics
if CO2 >50: endotracheal tube
monitor potassium levels
respiratory alkalosis pathology
lung problem: lungs are loosing too much CO2
kidneys compensate: excrete excess bicarb and retain hydrogen
pH: >7.45, CO:<35
what are the causes of respiratory alkalosis?
losing CO2: tachypnea
increased temperature (fever)
aspirin toxicity: causes hyperventilation
hyperventilation
hysteria, pain, neurological injury, asthma, emoblism/edema in lungs
what are the S/S of respiratory alkalosis?
increased RR (more than 20/min)
increased HR
confused/tired
tetany
EKG changes
positive Chevosteks
what are the NI for respiratory alkalosis?
provide emotional support
fix breathing problem
encourage good breathing patterns
rebreathing into paper bag
give anti-anxiety medications or sedatives
monitor K/Ca levels
metabolic acidosis pathology
kidney problem: too much hydrogen, too little bicarb
lungs compensate: will blow off CO2
pH: <7.35
HCO3: <22
PaCO2: <35
what are the causes of metabolic acidosis?
diabetic ketoacidosis: causes body to produce too much acid, not enough bicarbs
- not enough insulin= fat matabolim= excess ketones
acute/chronic kidney injury: decrease in acid excretion
malnutrition: breaking down fats=excess ketones
severe diarrhea: loss of bicarb
high anion acidosis
condition that causes body to produce too much acid and not enough bicarb
ex: DKA, aspirin toxicity, kidney insufficiency
normal anion acidosis
conditions cause body to lose bicarb
ex: ostomy drainage, fistula, diarrhea
