Test #2 Flashcards
How does surfactant work
It reduces surface tension by lowering the amount of pressure needed to inflate the alveoli, which makes them less likely to collapse
What is lung compliance
How well the lungs can expand (fluid in your lungs, like from pneumonia, makes your lungs less compliant, which means it is harder for them to inflate)
What is the most common pulmonary function test? What is? What does it test?
Spirometer - where you take a deep breath and exhale as hard and as fast as you can (think of that one guy yelling at that girl during her test)
Tests how much air you can inhale, exhale, and how much air is in the lungs
What kinds of things do pulmonary function tests diagnosis
Things like asthma, emphysema, bronchitis
Should you do a pulmonary function test when you’re sick
No, we want to do these tests when your lungs are healthy, we want baseline
What is tidal volume
The amount of air inhaled and exhaled during normal breathing
What is expiratory reserve volume
Additional air that can be forcefully exhaled after a normal breath
What is residual volume
The amount of air left in the lungs after exhaling as much as you can
What is inspiratory reserve volume
Maximum volume of air that you can inhale after already inhaling (you take a breath in and then take another breath in)
What is total lung capacity
Maximum amount of air that lungs can contain
What is functional residual capacity
The amount of air left in the lungs after exhaling
What is vital capacity
Total volume of air that can be exhaled after inhaling as much as you can
What is inspiratory capacity
Volume of air that can be inhaled after an expiration
What is forced vital capacity
The amount of air that can be quickly and forcefully exhaled after maximum inspiration
What is forced expiratory volume
The amount of air exhaled in first seconds of the test
What is minute volume
Total amount of air that is exhaled per minute
What is forced midexpiratory flow
Measurement of airflow rate in the middle half of forced expiration
What is maximal voluntary ventilation? What is this one used for?
Deep breathing as rapidly as possible for a specific amount of time
Can be used to determine exercise capacity
What is peak expiratory flow rate? What can it test for?
How fast you can blow air out of your lungs.
Can test for asthma
What is SaO2 measuring
The oxygen saturation of both functional and non-functional hemoglobin in arterial blood
What is SPO2
The oxygen saturation of only functional hemoglobin
How is SaO2 data gathered? What about SPO2?
SaO2 is through extracting arterial blood, while a pulse ox can be used for SPO2
What is PAO2? What is it telling us? What is a normal level?
PAO2 is the partial pressure of oxygen dissolved in the plasma in arterial blood.
Normal 80-100 (which equals at or above 94% for SpO2)
*This stuff is on page 470
What are the mold, moderate ans severe levels of hypoxemia according to PaO2
Mild PaO2 = 60-79, which is 90 SpO2
Moderate PaO2 = 40-59, which is 88 SpO2
Severe PaO2 = less than 40, which equals 75 SpO2
Why does oxygen diffuse out into the blood from the alveoli
Because the alveoli have a higher tension than in the pulmonary capillaries, such oxygen will diffuse down the concentration gradient into the pulmonary capillaries (opposite is true for carbon dioxide - that’s why it diffuses out of the blood and into the alveoli)
What is the purpose of the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve
To show how likely hemoglobin is to release oxygen to the tissues or hold onto oxygen based on the needs of the body
With the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, what does it mean when we say we are shifting to the right? What things cause this?
Hemoglobin is giving oxygen to the tissues, so there will be a higher PO2 amount (dissolved oxygen)
Causes:
- Acidosis (you have more hydrogen ions binding to hemoglobin, which reduces hemoglobins attraction or desire to hang onto oxygen)
- Hyperthermia (uses more oxygen in the tissues, so hemoglobin will be releasing a lot more oxygen to the tissues)
- Hypercapnia (increased altitude) (excessive CO2)
- Increased 2,3 DPG (decreases hemoglobin affinity for oxygen)
With the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve, what does it mean when we say we are shifting to the left? What things cause this?
Hemoglobin will bind more readily with oxygen
Causes:
- Alkalosis (less hydrogen ions to take up hemoglobin)
- Hypothermia (tissues aren’t needing as much oxygen)
- Hypocapnia (low altitude) (less CO2)
- Decreased - 2,3 DPG
Do we like to see quick shifts in the oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve
NO! Quick shifts maybe life threatening.
Basically, what is the difference between PaO2 and SaO2
PaO2 is the amount of oxygen in the arterial blood BEFORE it has attached to hemoglobin
SaO2 is the amount of oxygen that has bound to hemoglobin
Good video for oxygen dissociation curve https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ2eCRN02f4
What is capnography
Non invasive display of CO2 concentration that is exhaled
Why might we use capnography 4
For continuous monitoring during:
- Surgical and procedural anesthesia
- Post op recovery
- Critical care
- Evaluate the effectiveness of compressions during codes
(basically monitors the effectiveness of ventilation)
What does the V and Q stand for in the V/Q ratio
V = ventilation
Q = perfusion
What is the V/Q ratio
Shows us how much air is moving into the alveoli (ventilation) compared to how much blood is going through the pulmonary capillaries (perfusion)
What is a normal V/Q ratio
V = 4 liters of air flowing into the alveoli
Q = 5 liters of blood flowing past the alveoli
4/5 = 0.8
What happens if the V/Q ratio is greater than 0.8? What if it is less?
Greater = Too much air is blowing by but not enough air is getting too the tissues
Smaller = Not enough air is getting in to go to the tissues
Where does the largest pulmonary capillary perfusion (gas exchange) occur in the lungs
It is gravity dependent - so where ever gravity is lowest based on the position of the lungs
For example - in an upright position the most gas exchange is occurring in the lower lungs
In a person laying on their tummy it will be the anterior part of the lungs
See pg 297 in high acuity for examples
Why is it important to know where “good” gas exchange occurs in the lungs (“good lung down”)
We want to position patients in a way that no long conditions, like pneumonia, will impair their gas exchange.
Like if they have pneumonia in the upper lobes then we want to keep them upright so gas exchange occurs in the healthy lower lobes
What are examples of ventilation problems affecting the V/Q ratio?
What are examples of perfusion problems affecting the V/Q ratio?
Ventilation = Asthma, COPD, atelectasis (obstructive things)
Perfusion = pneumonia, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary embolism (not getting enough perfusion to alveoli due to pneumonia secretions)
What is a pulmonary shunt
Amount of cardiac output that flows from the right heart into the left heart without undergoing pulmonary gas exchange
What are the two types of pulmonary shunts
- Anatomic
- Capillary
What is an anatomic pulmonary shunt? What are the two types?
- Normally occurring, where 2-5% of the blood doesn’t pass through alveoli, so it doesn’t go through gas exchange
- Abnormal anatomic shunt - like a ventricular septal defect, where there is a hole in the heart wall dividing the right side from the left
What is a capillary shunt? Where do we most commonly see capillary shunts?
- Where blood passes through an unventilated alveoli, which causes it to not participate in gas exchange (basically the alveolis are not functioning correctly, so they cant do gas exchange)
- Most commonly seen in high acuity patients usually caused by atelectasis, consolidation or fluid in the alveoli
Will supplemental oxygen help improve shunting
No - because it’s an issue with the blood and alveoli, not about getting enough oxygen (basically no matter how much oxygen is administered, diffusion cannot take place if alveoli are completely bypassed or nonfunctioning)
What things can affect ventilation of alveoli (alveoli from working properly) 6
- Atelectasis (collapsed alveoli)
- Alveolar fibrosis
- Alveolar capillary destruction (like from emphysema)
- Alveolar consolidation (like from pneumonia)
- Interstitial edema (swelling pushing the alveoli in to collapse)
- Frothy secretions (like pulmonary edema)
What things can affect ventilation of alveoli (alveoli from working properly) 6
- Atelectasis (collapsed alveoli)
- Alveolar fibrosis
- Alveolar capillary destruction (like from emphysema)
- Alveolar consolidation (like from pneumonia)
- Interstitial edema (swelling pushing the alveoli in to collapse)
- Frothy secretions (like pulmonary edema)
What is an absolute shunt
The combined amount of the anatomic shunt and a capillary shunt
What percentage of shunting (so percentage of blood not getting oxygenated) can lead to severe respiratory failure
More than 15%
If a patient has ARDS, what is their typical shunt percentage
Usually having more at least 20% of their blood shunted (not getting oxygenated)
What is the hallmark symptom of ARDS
Refractory hypoxemia (where no amount of supplemental oxygen will help the patient, because it is an issue with the blood and alveoli, not the oxygen)
What is the P/F ratio
PaO2 (partial pressure of arterial oxygen)
/
FiO2 (fraction of inspired oxygen, expressed as a decimal)
(basically tells us how well our patient’s oxygen level is based on what type of oxygen they are on (room air or supplemental)
Give an example of the P/F ratio
PaO2 = measures 60
/
FiO2 21% or 0.21 (room air)
= 285
What can the P/F ratio tell us
Tells us the level of hypoxemia our patient’s may be experiencing
- Used to trend progression of respiratory failure, who might need to be intubated…
What is a normal P/F ratio
350-450
What is the minimally clinically acceptable P/F ratio level
286 (anything less than is worrisome)
How do you calculate FiO2
20% + 4 x (liters per minute)
Calculate the FiO2 if someone is on 5 liters of oxygen
20% + 4 x (5 liters per minute) = 40% FiO2
What is the FiO2 of room air
21%
What is chronic respiratory insufficiency
Where your body maintains an acceptable level through cardiopulmonary compensatory mechanisms, because the respiratory insufficiency is progressive and slow, it gives the body enough time to compensate (like how COPDers can live at 88% oxygen)
If you have chronic respiratory insufficiency, what can cause you to decompensate
Stressors, like an acute infection, where your body doesn’t have enough time to compensate
What are signs of impending respiratory failure (a lot)
- Tachypnea
- Tachycardia
- Increased use of accessory muscles
- Nasal flaring
- Abnormal chest wall movements
- Labored breathing
- Decreasing SpO2
- Restlessness/anxious
- Air hunger
Looking at a patient’s ABGs, how will we know if they are in acute respiratory failure (ARF)? If they are in ARF, what might we be prepared to do>
They will have:
- PaCO2 greater than 50
- pH less than 7.30 and/or a PaO2 less than 60
- If an ARF, prepare for possible mechanical ventilation
What is acute ventilatory failure
Caused by alveolar hypoventilation, where air cannot move into the alveoli, which decreases gas exchange and leads to a buildup of CO2, which causes respiratory acidosis
What can cause acute ventilatory failure
Anything that can affect air flow like:
- Brain trauma
- Neuromuscular dysfunction
- ARDS
- Heart failure
- Ineffective airway clearance
- Drug induced central nervous system depression
What are the signs and symptoms of acute ventilatory failure
S/S of hypercapnia, where the high levels of CO2 are causing vasodilation, can be referred to as CO2 narcosis
- Tachypnea
- Headache
- Flushed, wet skin
- Bounding pulse
- Increased BP
- Increased HR
- Lethargic
- Drowsy
- Coma (CO2 narcosis)
Looking at ABGs, how can we diagnosis Acute Ventilatory Failure
PaCO2 greater than 50 and pH less than 7.3
What is happening in acute oxygenation failure
Hypoxemia (low oxygen) is occurring, where CO2 is diffusing quicker than oxygen, so CO2 leels remain normal, but oxygen levels show they are low
What is happening in acute oxygenation failure
There is SHUNTING occurring, where perfusion is fine, but normal alveolar ventilation is lacking, so blood is trying to pick up oxygen in the alveoli, but the alveoli are not working properly, so the blood can’t pick up the oxygen leading to poor oxygenation
For acute oxygenation failure, are we seeing a low or high V/Q ratio
A low V/Q ratio, because the ventilation number is going to be low, due to the alveoli not working, but the perfusion number will be fine, because it’s not impacted
What are some disorders that may cause acute oxygenation failure
- Asthma
- Pneumonia
- COPD
- Atelectasis
What ABG number shows oxygenation failure
PaO2 less than 60
What are s/s of oxygenation failure
- Dyspnea
- Tachypnea
- Increased BP
- Increased HR
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
- Altered LOW
- Cyanosis
- Thready pulse
- Restlessness
- Confusion
Picture of s/s of hypoxemia
Picture of s/s of hypercapnia
Obviously if someone is having acute respiratory failure where the body’s organs are not getting enough oxygen, it will lead to organ hypoxia, but what if that person also has decreased cardiac output?
The patient is at risk for hypoperfusion or hypoxic organ shock complications like multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)
What can hypercapnia cause in the body
Impaired cellular function and the increase in CO2 can cause vasodilation, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and decreased cardiac output
Which is worse, oxygenation or ventilation failure? Basically not enough oxygen or too much CO2?
Ventilation failure - the buildup of CO2 creating an acidic environment can cause more damage to the body, more quickly
How do negative pressure ventilators work
In general, an NPV lowers the air pressure around part of your body, making the pressure “negative.” This creates a vacuum effect that expands your lungs and chest, pulling air into your lungs. Then the machine removes that lower pressure to let your lungs and chest contract, helping you exhale.
What are the benefits of negative pressure ventilators
- Improved communication
- Ability eat & drink
- No need for pressurized air or oxygen
- Lower acuity care
Basically, what is the difference between positive and negative pressure ventilators
Positive - increasing pressure on the outside to force air into your lungs
Negative - decreasing pressure on the outside so air will be pulled into your lungs
What is the benefit of non-invasive positive pressure ventilators
They are non-invasive, so you don’t have to force an artificial airway into someone and put them at risk for complications like infections and injuries to their airway
What are 3 examples of non-invasive positive pressure ventilators
- BIPAP
- CPAP
- Hi-flow nasal cannula
What is the key difference between BIPAP and CPAP
CPAP just adjusts the pressure going into your lungs, where a BIPAP can also adjust the pressure coming out of your lungs
What are non-invasive positive pressure ventilators effective for? What are they not effective for?
Effective for COPDers and CHF exacerbations
Less effective for ARDS and pneumonia
What are two requirements for a person on a non-invasive positive pressure ventilators
- They have to be alert
- They can’t be restrained
That way if they vomit or something they can wake up and pull off their mask and roll over
What does a CPAP do? Will the pressure change?
What will the pressure be maintained at?
- Provides continuous positive airway pressure
- Level of pressure remains the same throughout the breathing cycle
- Pressure will be between 5-20
What two pressures does a BIPAP utilize
- Inspiratory positive pressure (PIP)
- Expiratory positive airway pressure (PEEP)
(helps you breath in oxygen and expel CO2)
Is a BIPAP titrated based on FiO2 or LPM?
FiO2
What is cool about BIPAPs? Who is this helpful for?
They come with a mode called average volume-assured pressure support (AVAPS), which can automatically adjust tidal volumes based on the patients needs.
This is very helpful for hypercapnic patients
What are contraindications for CPAP and BIPAP 6
- Unstable hemodynamic status (unstable cardiac output, etc)
- Cardiac dysrhythmias
- MIs
- Inability to clear one’s own secretions
- Vomiting
- Improper mask fit
- Patient’s in restraints
What should we always check for people on BIPAPs
Skin integrity
What are the benefits of a high-flow nasal cannula
- Humidified
- More comfortable than a BIPAP
- Allows the pt to eat or drink
How does a high-flow cannula work
- Provides oxygen with compressed air
- Can go up to 100% FiO2
- Flow can be up to 60 L/min
What is important teaching about the high-flow nasal cannula
Have the pt try to keep their mouth closed, because the PEEP can drop when the mouth is open
Is mechanical ventilation a decision
Yes - someone people may not want this “life support”
How do we keep the diaphragm from working during mechanical ventilation
We give the pt a paralytic
What do you need from the pt (unless emergent) in order to imtubate
Consent
What do we need for intubation (look over)
Soft –cuffed ET tube in size requested
Stylet to guide tube in place
Topical anesthetic
Laryngoscope (with blade attached and functional light source)
Suction set up
Syringe for cuff inflation
Water-soluble lubricant (will be applied to tube)
ET holding device or adhesive tape to secure the ET tube post insertion
PPE
Sedative medications
IV access
Stethoscope
Manual resuscitation bag and mask (BVM)
Why might a nasotracheal tube be used during intubation instead of a endotracheal tube 3
- Oral surgery is needed
- Patient has a limited ability to open their mouth
- Mandible fractures
What are examples of medications that may be used for intubation - what is important to remember? what is a major side effect of these meds to be aware of?
Paralytics:
Rocuronium
Vecuronium
Succinylcholine
Sedatives:
Ketamine
Propofol
Versed
Etomidate
Analgesia:
Fentanyl
Remember that if you’re giving a paralytic, you will also want to give a sedative so the pt doesn’t feel themself being paralyzed
Most can cause hypotension
Who should not receive succinylcholine
Those with myasthenia gravis or another neuromuscular disorder
Where can we find these medications for intubation
Rapid Sequence Intubation (RSI) kits
What things should we do once a pt has been intubated 4
First: listen to the lungs bilaterally to confirm ETT placement
Second: observe for color change on CO2 detector
Third: obtain an order for a chest xray to confirm placement
Fourth: secure airway, noting location of tube at teeth and document (basically want to make sure we know the tube length in case it moves)
Us and who else is is responsible for the day to day care of an intubation? What things are we checking for?
RT
Proper placement, oral care, etc.
What if we see someone’s ET tube is not in the right place
Call a rapid response (may even be a code), stay with the patient and try to maintain their airway
Should we routinely suction an intubated pt? Why or why not?
Not routinely, only as needed. Suctioning is a risk because it can cause sudden respiratory distress, so it should only be done when necessary
What is spontaneous breathing trial
Taking the pt off the ventilator for periods of time to see how they do, and slowly start increasing the length of time as they do better and better
What infection is a high risk for ventilated pts
Ventilator associated pneumonia, because we’re sticking a tube directly into someone’s airway, which increases the risk of introducing pathogens
Should a pt just randomly be removed from a ventilator
NO! They should be weaned off
What are the 4 ventilator modes
AC or CMV: Assist Control or Controlled Mandatory Ventilation
Ventilator initiates the breath, ends the breath, or both.
SIMV: Synchronous Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation
Patient does most of the work, but the ventilator intermittently supplies a pre-set breath.
PSV: Pressure Support Ventilation Mode
Decreases the work of breathing by supplying additional pressure to overcome airway resistance. (pt initiates every breath - so pt is regulating everything)
Spontaneous: A mode that allows the patient to breathe on their own. It has a backup rate in case the patient goes apneic.
What is PEEP
Applied positive pressure into the airway at the end of expiration to prevent the alveoli from collapsing
Why do we want to keep the alveoli from collapsing using PEEP
Peep will keep the alveoli open throughout the breathing cycle, which increases gas diffusion time, which increases gas exchange and stops shunting.
What is peak inspiratory pressure
The amount of pressure it takes to deliver the amount of volume needed based on airway resistance and lung compliance
What is a desirable peak inspiratory pressure number
Usually 40 or less
What if we see an increase in peak inspiratory pressure
This means that the pt is needing more pressure to deliver the preset tidal volume, which means that their pulmonary condition may be worsening (we want to see less pressure needed)
What are the two types of alarms on ventilators
High and low pressure alarms
What is a high pressure alarm? What do we do?
Telling us that there is an increase in airway resistance
Check pt first!
Look for any coughing, biting on the tube, bucking, secretions in the airway or water in the tubing (all things that may be blocking the tube)
What is a low pressure alarm? What do we do?
Indicates no resistance
Check pt first!
Check the connections for an air leak, cuff leak (maybe it deflated), disconnection in the tubing
What are complications from mechanical ventilation
- Hypotension due to increased intrathoracic pressure (because we’re adding more pressure into the chest, which may decrease venous return to the heart, which can lead to low cardiac output)
- Barotrauma/volutrauma (barotrauma - increased pressure rupturing alveoli - greatest risk with noncompliant lungs, like COPDers, volutrauma - large tidal volumes to noncompliant lungs)
- Oxygen toxicity
- Ventilator associated pneumonia
- Gastric ulcers
- Increased ICP and decreased cerebral perfusion
- Tracheomalacia (weaking or erosion of tracheal cartilage)
What are signs that a pt’s airway might not be clear on a ventilator
If they are tachycardic, tachypneic or restless
What type of lungs sounds may indicate a need for suctioning
Coarse (wet/Rales) lung sounds
What is coughing an indicator of
A need to be suctioned
What things can help prevent ventilation complications (picture)
Do we want our pt to be sedated if they are intubated
Yes
What scale can we use to help guide us on how sedated our pt should be if they are intubated
The Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) (basically helps us determine how to titrate their sedation medications so they aren’t overly or underly sedated)
What are signs that a pt may be ready to be extubated
- Cause of respiratory failure is resolved or significantly improved
- Adequate oxygenation- FiO2 less than 50% and PEEP less than 8 (shows that pt doesn’t need as much support)
- Spontaneous ventilatory effort
- Successful spontaneous breathing trial
Besides the obvious (like giving breaths with a bag valve mask, etc), what else do you need to do if someone self-extubates or there is an accidental extubation
Turn off the sedation/analgesia
If a tracheostomy tube doesn’t have an inner cannula, what can we use to help keep the area open when we clean
An obturator
What is the difference between a cuffed and uncuffed tracheostomy tube
Uncuffed (balloon deflated) - allows for airway clearance but doesn’t protect from aspiration (these are for long-term, where there isn’t a need for mechanical ventilation and there isn’t a high risk for aspiration - like the guy I saw at Jiffy Lube, they can eat and talk better with these)
Cuffed (inflated balloon)- allows for secretion clearance, mechanical ventilation and some protection from aspiration
What does it mean if a trach tube is fenestrated
It has a little hole in the top of the tube that allows for air to pass, which can help promote spontaneous breathing and possibly allow for “talking” (without a hole here, air can’t get out)
Even if a person has a fenestrated tube or a speaking valve, can they talk if the cuff is inflated?
NO, because air is not able to get out and up past the tube
What is some good trach care to know (that isn’t obvious)
- Performing suctioning only as needed (remember the risks of scheduled suctioning)
- Inner cannula changes if disposable
- Use sterile technique
- Clean the stoma with a moist cotton tip swab
- Change trach ties if wet or soiled
- Makes sure ties are tight enough so they won’t become dislodged (only one finger should fit underneath (book says 2 fingers))
- Dressing goes under face plate
What safety things should you have at the bedside if someone has a trach
- Obturator at the bedside
- New tracheostomy of the same size and one size smaller (so if you can’t fit the same size one back in, you can use the one size smaller)
- Oxygen
- Suction
- Ambu-bag
(these supplies need to go everywhere with the pt, like even to imaging or somewhere else in the hospital)
What are ventilator bundles
Ways that we can help prevent ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP)
How can we prevent VAP
- Provide oral care every 2-4 hours
- Keep HOB between 30-45 degrees
- Keep ET tube cuff pressure between 20-25 to minimize aspiration risk
- Hand washing
Other interventions:
- Stress ulcer prophylaxis
- DVT prophylaxis
- Daily sedation breaks and spontaneous breathing trials
When would you call a rapid response
- Changes in mental status
- Altered level of consciousness
- Seizures
- Rapid change in neuro status
- Changes in vital signs- hypotension, bradycardia, tachycardia
- Respiratory problems
Your “gut feeling”
Can anyone call a rapid response
yes
What is a code blue or code 99
The pt doesn’t have a pulse and/or respirations
What are some code medications to know
- Epinephrine (helps with dysrhythmias, like asystole)
- Atropine (can help with bradycardia)
- Sodium bicarbonate (treat acidosis)
- Amiodarone (for ventricular dysrhythmias)
Be familiar with the roles during a code
- Recorder- Typically the primary nurse
- Medication administrator- should be familiar with code drugs.
- Compressor- a team of people should be available to prevent fatigue. Feedback on compression quality is important.
- Airway- typically respiratory therapy if they are available.
- Monitor/Defibrillator: May be assigned to the leader or recorder. They pay attention to the rhythm, vital signs, ETCO2.
- Leader-someone who is ACLS trained, typically a provider, may be a rapid response nurse.
- Family supporter-typically the chaplain if they are available (we can all be family supporters)
Is bleach/drain cleaner acid or alkaline
Alkaline
Does hydrogen ions cause the pH to become more or less acidic
More acidic
It’s quick for us to blow off CO2, but how do we excrete fixed acids
These need to be excreted from the kidneys, which can take days (they cannot be excreted through expirations)
Do we normally have acid in our body?
Yes, acids are a product of normal metabolism (like from carbs) or from abnormal metabolism (like from ketone diets)
What is our base? What does our base do?
Bicarbonate HCO3 - it acts like a buffer (where it can combine with hydrogen protons to make the body less acidic)
What organ primarily produces HCO3
Kidneys