Metabolic Acidosis Flashcards
If you have Metabolic Acidosis, what ABG values are going to be abnormal?
Ph is abnormally low
HCo3 is abnormally low
If you have Metabolic Acidosis with respiratory compensation, what ABG values are going to be abnormal?
Ph is abnormally low
HCo3 is abnormally low
pCO2 is abnormally low
The causes of both Metabolic Acidosis and Metabolic Alkalosis are always-
Metabolic in nature
What are the causes of Metabolic Acidosis?
Severe Diarrhea (Loss of bicarb via lower GI)
Renal Failure (Excess acid because the body can’t excrete waste)
Diabetic Ketoacidosis or Starvation (Tissue breaks down energy = Extra Waste = Excess H+)
What are the clinical manifestations of Metabolic Acidosis?
Dysrhythmias, bradycardia, weak pulses, hypotension, tachypnea, headache, Kussmaul’s Respirations
Lethargy, confusion, decreased LOC
Hyperkalemia – H+ into cell; K+ out; EKG changes
What are Kussmaul’s Respirations?
Rapid, Deep Respirations
How does the body compensate for Metabolic Acidosis?
Buffer system: Base (Na bicarb) + strong acid = weak acid
Respiratory Compensation: Blow off more CO2
Kussmaul’s respirations
Renal = excrete H+; retain HCO3
What are the nursing actions for Metabolic Acidosis?
Treat underlying cause
Improve ventilation to blow off CO2 & reduce H+
With compensation for Metabolic Acidosis, your pt may-
Go Hypokalemic
In a diabetic, you will need to control-
The blood glucose & insulin levels
What are the actions that you can take to treat Metabolic Acidosis?
Control the blood glucose & insulin levels in diabetics
If it’s caused by poisoning, you should eliminate the toxin from the body
If it’s due to an infection, treat the sepsis with antibiotics + IV Fluids
If a pt only has mild Metabolic Acidosis, what can you do to treat it?
Sometimes IV fluids to hydrate the pt is enough
If a pt has severe Metabolic Acidosis, what can you do to treat it?
The pt may need to be given bicarbonate via IV
