Respiratory Acidosis Flashcards
Which organ has a problem?
lungs
which organ will compensate?
Kidneys
What chemical is causing the problem?
CO2
Too much or too little CO2?
too much
Hyperventilating or hyperventilating?
Hypo
The kidneys are compensating with what chemicals?
Bicarb and hydrogen
The body must excrete what? and retain what?
- Excrete hydrogen
- Retain bicarb
Is the pH low or high?
low
What is the cause of respiratory acidosis?
Retaining CO2
Would mid-abdominal incisions cause shallow breathing and the retention of CO2?
Yes
Can narcotics or sleeping pils cause decreased respiratory effort and the retention of CO2?
Yes
Can a pneumothorax, collapsed lung, or pneumonia cause impaired gas exchange and the retention of CO2?
Yes
What are symptoms of respiratory acidosis?
- HA
- Confusion
- Sleepy
If respiratory acidosis is not corrected can it lead to a coma? and why?
Yes, as the acid increases the LOC does down
Are people with respiratory acidosis likely hypoxic?
Yes
-Give oxygen
What are two early signs of hypoxia?
- Restlessness
- Tachycardia
What is the treatment for respiratory acidosis?
Fix the breathing problem?
For someone with pneumonia what should you do?
-Liquefy and mobilize the secretions
Someone with a pneumothorax will have what?
Chest tubes to to re expand the lung
Encourage post-op patients to do what?
Turn, cough, deep breathe
