Exam 1 Flashcards
Normal ABG values for pH?
7.35 - 7.45
Normal ABG values for CO2?
35 - 45
Normal ABG values for HCO3?
22 - 26
If pH is less than 7.35 and CO2 is greater than 45, what is it?
Respiratory acidosis
What are causes of respiratory acidosis?
Hypoventilation = respiratory depression, airway obstruction
What are manifestations of respiratory acidosis?
hypoventilation, dyspnea, tachycardia, hypotension, weak and thready pulse, hyperkalemia (bc H+ ions move into the cell causing potassium ions to move out of the cell and into the blood stream)
Compensation that occurs with respiratory acidosis?
kidneys conserve HCO3 and excrete H+ ions
Management of respiratory acidosis?
Fowler’s, fluids, O2
Medications for respiratory acidosis?
antibiotics, smooth muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatories, Mucomyst
If pH is greater than 7.45 and CO2 is less than 35, what is it?
Respiratory alkalosis
Causes of respiratory alkalosis?
Occurs from hyperventilation (exhaling too much CO2) = CNS stimulation, anxiety, excessive mechanical ventilation
Manifestations of respiratory alkalosis?
numbness, tingling, tachycardia, rapid shallow respirations, vasoconstriction, lightheadedness, hypokalemia
Compensation of respiratory alkalosis?
kidneys conserve hydrogen ions and excrete HCO3
Management of respiratory alkalosis?
Rebreath CO2, assist to breathe slowly, anti-anxiety meds or sedatives
If pH is less than 7.35 and HCO3 is less than 22, what is it?
Metabolic acidosis
What is the cause of metabolic acidosis?
Occurs when acids accumulate = starvation, DKA, infection/fever, excess exercise. Occurs when HCO3 is lost = diarrhea
Manifestations of metabolic acidosis?
hypotension (dehydration), decreased LOC, vasodilation, warm/pink/dry skin, dysrhythmias
Compensation for metabolic acidosis?
Lungs eliminate CO2, kidneys conserve HCO3
Treatment for metabolic acidosis?
Hydration, meds, alkalitic IV solution, mechanical ventilation, antidarrheals
If pH is greater than 7.45 and HCO3 is greater than 26, what is it?
Metabolic alkalosis
Cause of metabolic alkalosis?
occurs with loss of H+ or increase of HCO3 = vomiting, gastric suction
Manifestations of metabolic alkalosis?
tachycardia, HTN, hypoventilation, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, hypereflexia, seizures
Compensation for metabolic alkalosis?
Lungs retain CO2, kidneys conserve H+ ions and excrete HCO3
Treatment for metabolic alkalosis?
IV fluids (NS), potassium, H2 receptor antagonists, antiemetics, potassium sparing diuretics
What is the calculation for anion gap?
Na - (Cl + HCO3)
What is the normal level for anion gap?
8 - 12 mEq/L
What is a high level for anion gap?
higher than 30 mEq/L
Causes of high level for anion gap?
ketoacidosis, aspirin poisoning, uremia, methanol or ethylene glycol (antifreeze) toxicity
Although low anion gap is rare, what is a cause?
Hypoproteinemia
If the anion gap is normal, but ABG is still off (acidosis), what is the cause?
diarrhea, use of diuretics, early renal insufficiency
Quick relief med for asthma, that relaxes smooth muscle and are the meds of choice for relief of acute symptoms
Short-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonists
Examples of short-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonists
Albuterol (proair, proventil, ventolin)
Xopenex
Quick relief med for asthma that reduces vagal tone of the airway
Anticholinergics
Example of anticholinergics
Ipratropium bromide (Atrovent)
Long-acting med for asthma that are used with anit-inflammatory meds to control asthma symptoms, particularly during the night. they are NOT indicated for immediate relief of symptoms, but are used long-term.
Long-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonists
Example of long-acting beta 2 adrenergic agonists
Theophylline
Serevent
Long-acting med for asthma that are the most potent and effective anti-inflammatory meds currently available. They should be used with a spacer, and pt’s mouth should be rinsed out after administration to prevent thrush.
Corticosteroids
Example of corticosteroids
Budesonide (Pulmicort) Flovent Asmanex Prednisone QVAR
Long-acting med for asthma that are potent bronchoconstrictors that also dilate blood vessels and alter permeability. They block the receptors where leukotrienes exert their action. They are tablets taken PO to help control long term symptoms of asthma.
Leukotriene modifiers
Example of leukotriene modifiers
Singulair
Accolate
What is the etiology and prevention for asthma?
Exposure to allergens or irritants that initiate the inflammatory cascade. The inflammatory process results in vascular congestion, edema formation, production of thick, tenacious mucus, bronchial muscle spasm, thickening of airway walls, and increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Environmental Factors - pollen, animal dander, household dust, cockroaches, exhaust fumes, fireplaces, molds, perfumes or other products with aerosol sprays, smoke including cigarette or cigar smoke, and sudden weather changes. Thus, in order to prevent exacerbations, it is important to avoid exposure to these allergens or irritants.
Manifestations of ashtma exacerbation
Restlessness, wheezing or crackles, absent or diminished lung sounds, hyperresonance, use of accessory muscles for breathing, tachypnea with, diaphoresis, cyanosis, decreased SaO2, and PFT tests results that demonstrate decreased air flow rates. Upright positioning – tripod, using accessory muscles and exhibiting anxiety.Hypoxemia, restlessness, inappropriate behavior, increased pulse and blood pressure – may have pulsus paradoxus. Speech may become difficult, tachypnea, percussion of lung fields reveals hyperresonance and auscultation indicates inspiratory/expiratory wheezing
Daily monitoring for asthma, peak flow steps
Stand up or sit up straight.
- Slide the indicator to the base of the meter.
- Take in a deep breath.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth and seal your lips around it.
- Blow out as hard and fast as you can (one quick blow).
- Repeat that process 2 more times.
- Select the highest number of the 3 efforts.
- Record this number on your peak flow diary or on a graph.
If your peak flow is above 80% of personal best, what color is it?
Green so continue taking your maintenance meds
If your peak flow is less than 80%, what color is it?
Yellow, so take your rescue medication, then wait 20 to 30 min and check your peak flow again.
What should you do if you peak flow is not back above 80%, what should you do?
Report this to your doctor
If you peak flow is back above 80%, what should you do?
Recheck your peak flow about every 4 hours for a day or so. Call your doctor if you continue to need rescue medicine.
If you peak flow is less than 60%, what is it?
Red zone
How should you treat a peak flow in the red zone?
Consider this an emergency; take your rescue medicine and call your doctor or go to the ER right away
Risk factors for cervical cancer
high risk are women who have a hx of STI, HIV, smokers, poor nutritional status, under age 20, multiple partners, multiple pregnancies, use BC, family hx, been exposed to DES in utero
Surgical considerations for women with cervical cancer
Women need to be educated post surgery for frequent follow up bc is 35 % chance of recurrence of cancer within 2 years often occuring in upper quarter of vagina. Sign is urethra obstruction so reduced urine flow or no urine flow, weight loss, edema, pelvic pain.
Manifestations of endometrial cancer
Main manifestation is post menopausal uterine bleeding. Other sx: pelvic cramping, bleeding after intercourse or with abd pressure, enlarged lymph nodes, ascites, abd masses.
Surgical considerations for endometrial cancer
Goal of care is to provide the woman with treatment that eradicates cancer or minimizes complications. Activity restriction for 4-6 weeks postop, but don’t want to just sit bc blood can pull in abd area and increase risk of clots. So need to change position frequently and avoiding sitting for prolonged periods.
Stage 1: might do a total abd hysterectomy Stage 2 or higher: do radical hysterectomy which is removal of uterus, ovaries, fall tubes, proximal vagina, and bilateral lymph nodes done through abd incision. Lymph node biopsy if think it metastized.
Manifestations of ovarian cancer
General abdominal discomfort, Sense of pelvic heaviness, Loss of appetite, Feeling of fullness, Change in bowel habits, Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Nursing consideration for radiation for ovarian cancer
Must provide efficient nursing care d/t nurses are limited to 30 min/day because of the exposure to radiation
Nursing consideration for chemotherapy/surgery
Platinum and taxane agents: combo of taxol and paraplatin is most often used bc of clinical benefits with minimal toxicity. Usually do surgery in addition to chemo. Intraperitoneal chemo is used when minimum residual disease exists after surgery
Pathophysiology for COPD
Progressive, nonreversible process of airway narrowing and loss of supporting. Can be caused by emphysema and/or chronic bronchitis
Assessment for COPD
Cough, exertional dyspnea, weight, barrel chest d/t emphysema, use of accessory muscles for breathing, prolonged expiration, orthopnea, cardiac dysrhythmias, congestion and hyperinflation on chest x-ray, ABG levels indicate respiratory acidosis and hypoxemia, pulmonary function test that demonstrates decreased vital capacity
Interventions for COPD
Administer oxygen, hydration, effective cough, percussion, postural drainage, reduce intake of dairy products and salt, provide small frequent meals, assess respiratory status every 1-2 hours or as indicated - rate and pattern; cough and secretions, and breath sounds; monitor ABGS, weigh daily, monitor A&Os, assess mucous membranes and skin turgor; encourage fluid intake of at least 2,000 - 3,000 mL/day, place in Fowler’s, high-Fowlers, or orthopneic position, encourage movement and activity as tolerated; assist with coughing and deep-breathing every 2 hours while awake; provide tissues and a paper bag to dispose of expectorated sputum (infection control); refer to resp therapist as needed; provide rest periods between treatments procedures; administer medications as ordered (includes oxygen)
Education for COPD
Make sure to teach patient how to pursed-lip and diaphragmatically breath – minimizes air trapping and fatigue (maintains positive pressure longer during exhalation.
Inhale through the nose with mouth closed
Exhale slowly through pursed lips, as though whistling or blowing out a candle, making exhalation twice as long as inhalation. Pursed lip breathing helps to slow expiration, prevents collapse of small airways and helps the pt control the rate and depth of respiration. It also promotes relaxation, enabling the pt to gain control of dyspnea and reduce feelings of panic.
Abd or diaphragmatic
Place one hand on the abd et the oth on the chest
Inhale, concentrating on pushing the abd hand outward while the chest hand remains still
Exhale slowly, while the abd hand moves inward and the chest hand remains still.
Goals of oxygen therapy for COPD
Goal of supplementary oxygen is keep the PaO2 above 60mm Hg; LT oxygen therapy is usually introduced when PaO2 is below 55 mm Hg or there are s/s of tissue hypoxia or organ damage – think Cor Pulmonale, secondary polycythemia, R sided HF with edema, and/or impaired mental status.
Complications of oxygen therapy for COPD
When O2 delivered by NC during exac it is necessary to closely monitor pt – may actually increase CO2 level and/or decrease the drive to breath – leading to respiratory failure. Must monitor LOC and ABGs.
What is the teaching and side effects for a pt with COPD on Albuterol?
SE – tachycardia, muscle tremor, hypokalemia, increased lactic acid, HA et hyperglycemia. Patient needs ed. about how to use MDI, periodic cleaning of device, possible SE
What is the teaching and side effects for a pt with COPD taking anticholinergic bronchodilators, such as Atrovent?
SE – Dryness of mouth and respiratory secretions, may cause increased wheezing.
Pt. need ed. About correct use of inhaled agents, ensure adequate fluid intake, assess patient for hypersensitivity to atropine, soybeans, peanuts, glaucoma, et prostatic hypertrophy.
What is the teaching and side effects for a pt with COPD taking corticosteroids, such as Beconase?
SE – Cough, dysphonia, oral thrush (candidiasis), HA; high does systemic effects may occur – adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, skin thinning, and easy bruising.
Pt. needs ed. on correct use of MDI et use of spacer/holding chamber devices, rinse mouth p inhalation to reduce local side effects.
What is the teaching and side effects for a pt with COPD taking mucolytics?
HA, dizziness, GI upset.
Patient needs education on intake of at least 2L of fluid daily, care in sitting up, standing up and engaging in high-risk activities until response to medication is known, teach how to effectively cough (Huff).
What is hypovolemia?
Occurs when water and electrolytes are lost in the same proportion as they exist in normal body fluids, so that the ratio of serum electrolytes to water remains the same. (do not confuse with dehydration, which is when only water is lost and thus sodium levels of the body are increased).
What are the causes of hypovolemia?
vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, decreased fluid intake, third-space fluid shifts, edema formation in burns, ascites, hemorrhage, and coma.
Manifestations of hypovolemia
acute weight loss, decreased skin turgor, oliguria, concentrated urine, orthostatic hypotension, weak, rapid heart rate, flattened neck veins, increased temperature, thirst, decreased capillary refill, cool, clammy, pale skin.
What are labs for hypovolemia?
Elevated BUN out of proportion to the serum creatinine (ration greater than 20:1), increased hematocrit level due to decreased plasma volume.
Gerontologic considerations for hypovolemia
assessment of skin turgor is not as valid in the elderly because the skin has lost some of its elasticity. Therefore it is best to use other assessments such as slowness in filling of veins in the hands and feet. Skin turgor is best tested over the forehead or the sternum in elderly patients.
Medical management for hypovolemia
Isotonic electrolyte solutions (lactated Ringer’s solution and 0.9% NS) are used because they expand plasma volume.
Nursing management for hypovolemia
monitor I/Os, encourage fluids, monitor for weak, rapid pulse and orthostatic hypotension, administer antidiarrheal and antiemetics as needed.
What is hypervolemia?
Occurs when there is an abnormal retention of water and sodium in approximately the same proportions in which they normally exist in the ECF. It is always secondary to an increase in the total body sodium content, which in turn leads to an increase in totaly body water.
Causes of hypervolemia
heart failure, renal failure, cirrhosis, and consumption of excessive amounts of table salt.