Respiratory Alkalosis

Question 1

What is the acid-base ratio for Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 1

More base than acid (1:40 ratio)

Question 2

If you have respiratory alkalosis, what ABG values are going to be abnormal?

Answer 2

pH is abnormally high

pCO2 is abnormally low

Question 3

If you have respiratory alkalosis with renal compensation, what ABG values are going to be abnormal?

Answer 3

pH is abnormally high

pCO2 is abnormally low

HCO3- is abnormally low

Question 4

What are the causes of Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 4

Extreme Anxiety / Panic Attacks

Air Hunger

Fever (Because of increased respirations & BMR)

Mechanical Over-Ventilation

Salicylate Poisoning

Brain Injury

Question 5

What is Air Hunger?

Answer 5

Hypoxemia from acute respiratory illness

Question 6

BMR stands for-

Answer 6

Basal Metabolic Rate

Question 7

What is the BMR?

Answer 7

The number of calories you burn as your body performs basic (basal) life-sustaining function

Question 8

Aspirin is a type of-

Answer 8

Salicylate

Question 9

What are the neurological clinical manifestations of Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 9

Numbness, Tingling, Tinnitus, Can’t Concentrate, LOC

Question 10

What are the non-neurological clinical manifestations of Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 10

Tachycardia & Dysrhythmias

Hyperventilation (Tachypnea)

Question 11

What should your nursing actions be focused for on a pt who has Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 11

Treat the underlying issue:

Assess Respiratory Status, LOC

Assess any factors that can contribute to the Hyperventilation

Assist the pt to breathe slowly (in order to retain CO2)

Question 12

How might your body compensate for Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 12

Chemical Buffers = HCo3 can shift into cells + Exchange with Chlorine (Cl-)

Renal Buffers = Kidneys can excrete HCo3 & Retain Hydrogen

Question 13

Are paper bags helpful for treating Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 13

Yes because it can help a pt breathe slower (especially if they’re having a panic attack)

Question 14

How do you manage a pt’s Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 14

Closely monitor for impending respiratory crisis (Needs aggressive treatment).
Must slow breathing rate.

Emotional support + Reassurance.

Assist with breathing techniques.

Question 15

What are some ways that you can assist with breathing techniques for a pt with Respiratory Alkalosis?

Answer 15

Instruct to voluntarily hold breath, if appropriate

Provide Rebreathing Mask

Provide anxiety reduction measures

Instruct to breathe into a paper bag

Provide oxygen + Rebreathing techniques if necessary