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Acid Base Balance
Acid Base Balance
214
Nursing
Undergraduate 2
10/14/2012

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Term
An opioid drug overdose would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Pulmonary Edema would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Chest trauma would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Neuromuscular disease would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
COPD would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Airway obstruction would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Pneumonia would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
TB would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Emphysema would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Asthma would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Cigarrette smoking would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Pleural effusion would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
What is pleural effusion?
Definition
excess fluid that accumulates in the pleura, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs



Pleural effusion is excess fluid that accumulates in the pleura, the fluid-filled space that surrounds the lungs.
Term
A Bowel obstruction would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Obesity (especially when laying flat) would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Liver failure would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
What is ascites?
Definition
Fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity often associated with liver disease
Term
Laryngospasm would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Aspiration would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Drowning would put a patient at most risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Poison or Pesticide ingestion would put a patient most at risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Increased ICP would put a patient most at risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Botulism toxin would put a patient most at risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Excessive alcohol consumption would put a patient most at risk for what acid/base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory Acidosis
Term
Normal pH of arterial blood
Definition
7.35-7.45
Term
Normal pH of venous blood
Definition
7.31-7.41
Term
H20 + C02 =
Definition
H2CO3
Carbonic Acid
Term
(20)HCO3- + (X)H2CO3 = pH 7.0
Definition
1
Term
HCO3- is
Definition
Bicarbonate
Term
H2CO3 is
Definition
Carbonic Acid
Term
What is HCl?
Definition
Hydrochloric Acid
Term
What is H+ ?
Definition
Hydrogen Ion
Term
What is Cl-?
Definition
Chloride Ion
Term
Body fluid pH is a measure of the body's _____________________
Definition
H+
Free hydrogen ion level
Term
What value has the narrowest range of normal and the tightest control mechanisms of all electrolytes?
Definition
Body fluid pH
aka Free hydrogen ion level (H+)
Term
Changes from normal pH interfere with these four body functions:
Definition
1) changing the shape & reducing teh function of hormones and enzymes
2) Changing the distribution of other electrolytes, causing fluid and electrolyte imbalances
3) Changing excitable membranes, making the heart, nerves, muscles, and GI tract either less or more active than normal
4) Decreasing the effectiveness of many drugs
Term
Describe the relationship between H+ level and pH
Definition
Free hydrogen ion (H+) level increases = pH decreases (Body becomes more acidic)

Free hydrogen ion (H+) level decreases = pH increases (Body becomes more alkiline)
Term
What patients would be at a high risk for falls as a result of acid-base imbalances? Why?
Definition
Alkalosis, because alkalosis causes hypotension and muscle weakness
Term
Explain the concept of compensation
Definition
Compensation occurs when either the respiratory system or kidneys work to overcome a pH imbalance caused by the other party.
Examples:
Kidney's reabsorb bicarbonate to increase pH in a patient suffering from respiratory acidosis
Example:
Patient with DKA has kussmauls respirations to "blow off" extra CO2, raising pH
Term
What is the role of the respiratory system in maintaining acid-base balance?
Definition
CO2 is exhaled during respiration, which decreases amount of free hydrogen ion (H+) levels in the body, making the body less acidic. (raising pH)
Term
What is the role of the kidneys in maintaining acid-base balance?
Definition
Kidneys can produce acids and then excrete them in urine

Kidneys can produce bicarbonate

Kidneys can move bicarbonate from other areas (reabsorbtion)
Term
Acids are substances that:
Definition
release hydrogen ions when disolved in water (H2O)
Term
An acid in solution __________ the amount of free hydrogen ions in that solution
Definition
increases
Term
The strength of an acid is measured by:
Definition
how easily it releases a hydrogen ion in solution
Term
What is an example of a strong acid (found in the human body)?
Definition
HCl
hydrochloric acid
Term
The difference between a strong acid and a weak acid is that:
Definition
A strong acid separates (dissociates) completely in water and readily releases all of its hydrogen ions (H+)

A weak acid does not completely separate in water; it releases only SOME of its hydrogen ions
Term
What does this formula represent?

CH3COOH + H2O = H+ + CH3COO- + H2O
Definition
When acetic acid (CH3COOH) is put into solution (Water, H2O) it does not completely separate (dissociate) It releases 1 hydrogen ion (H+), retains 3 hydrogen ions, becoming (CH3COO-) in water.

Since the CH3COOH (Acetic acid) released only 1/4 of its hydrogen ions (H+), it is a weak acid

worded differently:
CH3COOH, a wak acid, contains a total of four hydrogen molecules. When acetic acid combines with water, it releases only one of its four hydrogen molecules. The other three hydrogen molecules remain bound to the acetic acid molecule (CH3COO-)
Term
What is
CH3COOH ?
Definition
Acetic acid
weak acid
Term
What is a base?
Definition
A substance that binds free hydrogen ions in solution

Bases are "hydrogen acceptors"

Bases lower the amount of free hydrogen ions in solution
Term
What makes a base a strong base?
Definition
Strong bases bind hydrogen ions easily
Term
What is
NaOH ?
Definition
sodium hydroxide

A strong base
Term
What is
NH3 ?
Definition
ammonia

A strong base
Term
What are two examples of strong bases in the human body?
Definition
NaOH (sodium hydroxide)

NH3 (ammonia)
Term
What makes a base weak?
Definition
bind to hydrogen ions less readily.
Term
What is
AlOH3 ?
Definition
aluminum hydroxide

A weak base
Term
What is
HCO-3 ?
Definition
bicarbonate

A weak base
Term
What are two examples of weak bases in the human body?
Definition
AlOH3 (aluminum hydroxide)

HCO-3 (bicarbonate)
Term
What is a buffer?
Definition
Buffers can react in two ways:

either as an acid (releasing a hydrogen ion) or as a base (binding as a hydrogen ion)

A buffer always tries to bring the fluid as close to possible to the normal body fluid pH of 7.35-7.45
Term
What would a buffer do in a basic fluid?
Definition
release hydrogen ions into the fluid
Term
What would a buffer do in an acetic fluid?
Definition
bind some of the excess hydrogen ions
Term
What does this formula represent?

HCl + H2O = H+ + Cl- + H2O
Definition
A strong acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl) separates (dissociates) completely in water and readily releases all of its hydrogen ions
Term
When A = Acid and B = Base
what does this concept represent?

AAABBB
Definition
Neutral pH
acid-base balance
Term
When A = Acid and B = Base
what does this concept represent?

AAAABBB
Definition
Actual acidosis

Acid excess
Term
When A = Acid and B = Base
what does this concept represent?

AAABB
Definition
Relative acidosis

Base deficit
Term
When A = Acid and B = Base
what does this concept represent?

AAABBBB
Definition
Actual alkalosis

Base excess
Term
When A = Acid and B = Base
what does this concept represent?

AABBB
Definition
Relative alkalosis

Acid deficit
Term
(x)H2CO3 + (y)HCO3- = normal ratio
Definition
x = 1
y = 20

ratio of
1 carbonic acid to 20 bicarbonate
maintains acid-base balance
Term
What does this formula represent?

CO2 + H2O = H2CO3 = HCO3- + H+
Definition
This is the carbonic anhydrase equasion

The concentration of carbon dioxide is directly related to the concentration of hydrogen ions
Term
Based on the carbonic anhydrase equation, an increase in carbon dioxide would cause a proportionate increase in what?
Definition
hydrogen ions (H+)
Term
What is the most common base in the human body fluid?
Definition
HCO3-
Bicarbonate
Term
What is the most common acid in the human body?
Definition
H2CO3
Carbonic acid
Term
What creates H2CO3
Definition
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is formed when carbon dioxide gas is combined with water
Term
Increased carbon dioxide content of a fluid causes increased ___________ in that fluid
Definition
hydrogen ions

which causes a drop in pH

(Acidic)
Term
When free hydrogen ions are produced in a fluid more _________________ is produced
Definition
carbon dioxide
Term
Carbohydrate metabolism forms _______________
Definition
Carbon dioxide
Term
Protein breakdown forms________________
Definition
sulfuric acid
Term
Fat breakdown forms _____________ and ____________
Definition
Fatty acids and ketoacids
Term
Incomplete breakdown of glucose occurs when?
Definition
when cells are metabolizing glucose under anaerobic (no oxygen) conditions
Term
Anaerobic breakdown of glucose forms ____________
Definition
lactic acid
Term
What medical conditions cause anerobic metabolic states?
Definition
Hypoxia
Sepsis
Shock
Term
When does incomplete breakdown of fatty acids occur?
Definition
When large amounts of fatty acids are being metabolized
Term
What does the destruction of cells release? What part of the cell in particular is high in this stubstance?
Definition
Destruction of cells releases acids. Lysosomes contain acids
Term
What is the main buffer of the ECF?
Definition
Bicarbonate
Term
Where does Bicarbonate come from?
Definition
Intestinal absorbtion of ingested bicarbonate
Pancreatic production of bicarbonate
Movement of cellular bicarbonate into the ECF
Kidney reabsorbtion of filtered bicarbonate
breakdown of carbonic acid
Term
What would the significance be of an arterial pH level higher than 7.45?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis: loss of gastric fluids, decreased potassium intake, diuretic therapy, fever, salicylate toxicity.
Respiratory alkalosis: Hyperventilation
Term
What would the significance be of an arterial pH level lower than 7.35? (7.25 for an individual over 90 years old)
Definition
Metabolic or respiratory acidosis: Ketosis, renal failure, starvation, diarrhea, hyperthyroidism
Term
What is a normal arterial pH level for a patient over 90 years old?
Definition
7.25-7.45
Term
What is the first line of defense against changes in the amount of free hydrogen ions? Why?
Definition
Buffers - because they are always present in body fluids, and can respond quickly.
Buffers bind to hydrogen ions when too many are present & release hydrogen ions when not enough are present
Term
What can buffers be made of?
Definition
Chemicals or proteins
Term
What are chemical buffers?
Definition
Paired mixtures. Typically a weak base and an acid salt.
Term
What are the two most common chemical buffers? Where can each be found?
Definition
Bicarbonate (ECF & ICF)
Phosphate (ICF)
Term
What are protein buffers?
Definition
Proteins in body fluids that can either bind or release free hydrogen ions as needed
Term
What are the most common type of buffers?
Definition
Protein buffers
Term
What are two extracellular protein buffers?
Definition
albumin & globulins
Term
What is a major cell protein buffer?
Definition
hemoglobin
Term
What is the second line of defense against pH changes?
Definition
Respiratory system
Term
How does breathing control the amount of free hydrogen ions ?
Definition
by controlling the amount of CO2 in arterial blood.
Term
Is the pressure of CO2 higher in capillary blood or in the air?
Definition
Much higher in capillary blood. This allows the CO2 to diffuse freely from the blood into the alveolar air
Term
Does CO2 continue to be exhaled when breathing is impaired?
Definition
Yes. Because the pressure of CO2 in the atmospheric air is nearly zero, CO2 usually continues to be exhaled even when breathing is impaired
Term
What controls the respiratory regulation of acid-base balance?
Definition
Central Nervous System
Term
Special receptors in the respiratory areas of the brain are sensitive to what?
Definition
Changes in the amount of CO2 in brain tissues
Term
What happens as the amount of CO2 begins to rise above normal in brain blood & tissues?
Definition
Central receptors trigger neurons to increase the rate and depth of breathing (hyperventilation)
Term
What happens as the amount of CO2 falls below normal levels in brain tissues?
Definition
Central receptors stop or slow the neuron activity in the respiratory centers of the brain, decreasing the rate and depth of breathing (hypoventilation)
Term
How long does it take for the respiratory system to respond to an acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Rapid response. Within minutes.
Term
What is the third line of defense against wide changes in body fluid pH?
Definition
Kidneys
Term
How long does it take for full response from the kidneys when persistant pH changes occur?
Definition
24-48 hours
Term
Is the response of the kidney's to pH changes more powerful or less powerful than the response of the respiratory system?
Definition
More powerful, but much slower.
Term
What are the three functions of the kidneys in maintaining pH?
Definition
Movement of bicarbonate
Formation of Acids
Formation of ammonium
Term
Where does kidney movement of bicarbonate take place?
Definition
In the tubules
Term
How does the kidney move bicarbonate made in other areas of the body?
Definition
Much of the bicarbonate made in other body areas is excreted in the urine. When blood hydrogen ion levels are high, this bicarbonate is reabsorbed from the kidneys back into circulation
Term
How does the the kidney produce bicarbonate?
Definition
Kidney tubules can make additional bicarbonate and reabsorbe it for an increased buffer effect
Term
What happens to bicarbonate in the kidneys when hydrogen ion levels are low?
Definition
Bicarbonate is filtered into the urine, not reabsorbed by the kidney tubules, remains in the urine, and is excreted
Term
Does formation of acids by the kidney raise or lower pH levels?
Definition
Kidney's form acid which is excreted in the urine, removing acid from the body. This causes pH to go up (become more alkaline)
Term
How does formation of acids by the kidneys work?
Definition
Bicarbonate made in the kidney cells is reabsorbed into the blood along with SODIUM. This leaves the urine with an excess of anions, including phosphate. The negatively charged fluid draws hydrogen ions into the urine, which bind with phosphate, and are exreted in the urine
Term
When is ammonia formed?
Definition
during normal protein breakdown
Term
How is ammonium formed?
Definition
Combination of ammonia (end product of protein metabolism) with hydrogen ions. This takes place in the urine.
Term
Does formation of ammonium by the kidney raise or lower pH ?
Definition
raises pH. Ammonia (end product of protein metabolism) combines with hydrogen ions, forming ammonium, which is then excreted in the urine. This causes the body to become more alkaline, raising the pH
Term
What is compensation?
Definition
The body adapts to attempt to correct changes in blood pH.
Term
What pH levels are usually fatal?
Definition
Below 6.9 or above 7.8
Term
Respiratory compensation is most usually triggered to correct what kind of acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic acid-base imbalance
Term
Kidney compensation is most usually triggered to correct what kind of acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acid-base imbalance
Term
What does "fully compensated" mean
Definition
The efforts of the backup actions are completely effective, and blood pH returns to normal EVEN THOUGH the levels of oxygen and bicarbonate may be ABNORMAL
Term
What does "partial compensation" mean
Definition
Efforts of the compensitory effort are not strong enough to bring the blood pH back into normal range, however they help to bring it closer. This can prevent the acid-base imbalance from becoming severe or life threatening.
Term
Acidosis
Definition
The body pH is below normal
Term
Alkalosis
Definition
the Body pH is above normal
Term
What patients are at greatest risk for acute acidosis?
Definition
Those with problems that impair breathing. Older adults with chronic health problems.
Term
What is an actual acid excess?
Definition
Acidosis from either an overproduction of acids (and release of hydrogen ions) or underelimination of normally produced acids (retention of hydrogen ions.) More hydrogen ions are present than should be
Term
What are examples of conditions that would cause an actual acid excess acidosis?
Definition
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Seizures
Respiratory impairment
Kidney impairment
Term
What is relative acidosis?
Definition
The amount of acids remains the same, but the strength or amount (or both) of the bases decreases. There is a base deficit.
Caused by either overeliminating bases or underproducing bases
Term
Examples of problems that could lead to relative acidosis
Definition
pancreatitis
dehydration
diarrhea
Term
An increase in hydrogen ions creates imbalances of other positively charged electrolytes, especially __________________
Definition
Potassium
Term
Early manifestations of acidosis first appear in the:
Definition
musculoskeletal, cardiac, respiratory, and central nervous systems.
Term
Drugs are _____________ effective during acidosis
Definition
less
Term
What are the four processess that can result in metabolic acidosis?
Definition
Overproduction of hydrogen ions
underelimination of hydrogen ions
underproduction of bicarbonate ions
overelimination of bicarbonate ions
Term
Overproduction of hydrogen ions occurs with:
Definition
excessive breakdown of fatty acids
excessive intake of acids
Term
Ketoacidosis is an example of what kind of acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic acidosis
Term
Starvation would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic acidosis
Term
A patient performing heavy excersize would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic Acidosis
Term
A patient experiencing seizure activity would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance? Why?
Definition
Metabolic Acidosis (body has too little oxygen to meet metabolic oxygen demands creating lactic acidosis)
Term
A patient with a high fever would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance? Why?
Definition
Metabolic Acidosis (body has too little oxygen to meet metabolic oxygen demands creating lactic acidosis)
Term
What agents, when ingested, can cause metabolic acidosis?
Definition
Alcoholic beverages
Methyl alcohol
Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin)
Term
A patient with kidney failure woudl be at risk for what acid-base imbalance? Why?
Definition
Metabolic acidosis
Kidney tubules cannot secrete hydrogen ions into the urine. Too many hydrogen ions are retained.
Underelimination of hydrogen ions)
Term
A patient with impaired pancreatic function would be at risk for what acid-base imabalance? why?
Definition
Metabolic acidosis.
underproduction of bicarbonate ions. (base deficit)
Term
A patient with severe diarrhea would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance? why?
Definition
Metabolic acidosis
Overelimination of bicarbonate ions (base deficit)
Term
Respiratory acidosis results when:
Definition
Any area of respiratory function is impaired, reducing the exchange of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide.

Retention of CO2
Term
A patient with depressed breathing caused by anesthetic agents would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
Term
A patient using opioid drugs would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis (depressed respiration)
Term
Botulinus toxin would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis (depressed respiration)
Term
Physical depression of respiration occurs when:
Definition
Neurons are damaged or destroyed by trauma or when problems in the brain increase ICP. This increase causes edema, which presses on the respiratory centers located in the brainstem.
Term
A patient with cerebral edema would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
caused by physical respiratory depression
Term
A patient with a cerebral aneurysm would be at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
caused by physical respiratory depression
Term
Respiratory muscle weakness caused by electrolyte imbalances would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
caused by inadequate chest expansion
Term
Obesity (particularly when laying down) would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
caused in inadequate chest expansion
Term
Inadequate chest expansion would put a patient most at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
Term
ascites would put a patient most at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
Term
What things cause airway obstruction?
Definition
aspiration of foreign objects, bronchoconstriction, mucous, and edema
Term
Airway obstruction would put a patient most at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
Term
TB would put a patient at most risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
caused by reduced alveolar-capillary diffusion
Term
Pneumonia would put a patient at most risk for what acid base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
caused by reduced alveolar capillary diffusion
Term
Reduced alveolar capillary diffusion puts a patient at most risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Respiratory acidosis
Term
What is an example of a patient suffering from both metabolic and respiratory acidosis at the same time?
Definition
A person with diabetic ketoacidosis and COPD
Term
Are combined acidosis more or less severe than metabolic or respiratory acidosis alone?
Definition
MORE SEVERE!
Term
What are three natural conditions effecting older adults that put them at greater risk for developing acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Cardiac, kidney, or pulmonary impairment
Term
What are two kinds of drugs that put older people at higher risk of developing acid-base imbalance?
Definition
aspirin and diuretics
Term
Specific risk factors to inquire about in a patient suspected of acid-base imbalance
Definition
Breathing problems
Kidney failure
Diabetes mellitus
Diarrhea
Pancretis
Term
Acidosis reduces the_________________
Definition
ability of excitable membranes to respond appropriately, especially in cardiovascular tissue, neurons, skeletal muscle, and GI smooth muscle.
Term
Early cardiovascular changes seen with acidosis
Definition
Increased heart rate
Increased cardiac output
Term
Cardiovascular changes seen as acidosis worstens and patient develops kyperkalemia
Definition
Heart rate decreases
T waves become tall and peaked
QRS complexes are widened
Peripheral pulses may be hard to find and are easily blocked
Hypotension (result of vasodilation)
Term
CNS changes seen with acidosis
Definition
Lethargy
Confusion
Really bad = unresponsive
Term
Neuromuscular changes seen with acidosis
Definition
Reduced muscle tone & deep tendon reflexes
Term
Respiratory changes seen with acidosis that is metabolic in origin
Definition
Rate and depth of breathing increases. Breaths are deep and rapid and not under voluntary control. This is called
Kussmaul respiration
Term
Respiratory changes seen with acidosis that is respiratory in origin
Definition
Breathing efforts are reduced.
Respiratorys shallow and rapid.
Term
Skin changes with respiratory acidosis
Definition
Skin & mucous membranes are pale to cyanotic
Term
Skin changes seen with metabolic acidosis
Definition
Vasodilation causes skin and mucous membranes to be warm, dry, & Pink
Term
The first manifestations of acidosis may be:
Definition
behavioral
Term
Lab values for metabolic acidosis
Definition
pH less than 7.35
Bicarbonate less than 21 mEq/L
Pao2 Normal or slightly decreased
Serum potassium level is high
Term
Why are serum potassium levels high during acidosis?
Definition
Body attempts to maintain electroneutrality during buffering. Hydrogen ions moving into cells causes potassium ions to leave cells to maintain electric neutrality. This causes an increase in blood potassium level.
Term
Lab values for respiratory acidosis
Definition
pH less than 7.35
Pao2 is low
paco2 is high
Serum potassium levels high for acute, normal to low for chronic
Bicarbonate level depends on how long the respiratory acidosis has been happening and wheather or not the kidneys have had time to compensate
Term
Hallmark lab value of respiratory acidosis
Definition
Decreasing Pao2 with rising paco2
Term
Why does a decreased Pao2 appear before an increased paco2?
Definition
Because carbon dioxide is 20 times more able than oxygen to diffuse across the alveolar membrane
Term
When is bicarbonate administered?
Definition
Only when serum bicarbonate levels are low
Term
What are nursing priorities for a patient with metabolic acidosis
Definition
Monitor the patient for changes that indicate response to treatment or worstening acidosis.
Cardiovascular system and skeletal muscle systems are most sensitive, so they are the systems to monitor
Interpret ABG results
Term
What techniques fall under the category pulmonary hygiene?
Definition
Positioning and breathing techniques to clear airways and encourage gas exchange
Term
Oxygen therapy as an intervention to correct respiratory acidosis needs to be used with caution in what type of patients? Why?
Definition
COPD patients, because their only breathing trigger is arterial oxygen levels, and giving too much O2 decreases their respiratory drive
Term
How often should patients with chronic respiratory acidosis be monitored?
Definition
every 2 hours.
Term
What should be included in a respiratory assessment?
Definition
Breath sounds
Assess how easily air moves in and out of the lungs
Check for muscle retractions, use of accessory muscles, (especially the neck muscles)
Wheather breathing produces a sound audible without a stethescope
Color of nail beds and mucous membranes
Term
What is decreased blood cation
Definition
Decreased level of positively charged particles in the blood
Term
What are most problems of alkalosis related to?
Definition
Increased stimulation of the nervous, neuromuscular, and cardiac systmes
Term
Excessive use of oral antacids cause what?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis
Term
citrate excesses during amssive blood transfusion would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis
Term
Hallmark lab values for base-excess acidosis
Definition
Elevated pH
Elevated bicarbonate level
Normal oxygen level
Noraml carbon dioxide level
Term
Prolonged vomiting would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis
caused by acid deficit
Term
Excess cortison would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis
caused by acid deficit
Term
hyperaldosteronism would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis
caused by acid deficit
Term
thiazide diuretics would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
Metabolic alkalosis
caused by acid deficit
Term
Prolonged gastric suctioning would put a patient at risk for what acid-base imbalance?
Definition
metabolic alkalosis
caused by acid deficit
Term
What is respiratory alkalosis usually caused by>
Definition
excessive loss of CO2 through hyperventilation (rapid respirations)
Term
Why do patients hyperventilate?
Definition
Response to anxiety, fear, improper settings on mechanical ventilators, direct stimulation of central respiratory centers because of fever, CNS lesions, and salicylates
Term
Hallmart lab values of respiratory alkalosis
Definition
Elevated pH
Low CO2 level
Normal O2 level
Normal Bicarb level
Term
Symptoms of both metabolic and respiratory alkalosis are caused by?
Definition
hypocalcemia & hypokalemia
Term
CNS changes caused by alkalosis
Definition
dizziness, agitation, confusion, hyperreflexia, seizure activity, tingling or numbness around the mouth/toes
Term
Positive Chvostek sign would be a symptom of
Definition
alkalosis with hypocalcemia
Term
Positive Trousseau's sign would be a symptom of
Definition
alkalosis with hypocalcemia
Term
Neuromuscular changes seen with alkalosis
Definition
muscle cramps, twitches, charley horses, hyperactive deep tendon reflexes. tetany of muscle groups.
Term
Tetany of muscle groups in a patient with alkalosis would indicate what?
Definition
A rapidly worsening condition
Term
Muscle strength with alkalosis becomes _________________
Definition
weaker.
Term
Cardivascular changes seen with alkalosis include
Definition
increased heartrate
thready pulse
hypotension
increased risk for digoxin toxicity
Term
What acid-base imbalance would put a patient at greater risk for digoxin toxicity? Why?
Definition
alkalosis. Due to hypokalemia
Term
Respiratory changes seen with alkalosis
Definition
increased breathing rate are the main cause of respiratory alkalosis
Term
What is the nursing care priority during correction of alkalosis?
Definition
Prevention of falls
Term
What about a patient with alkalosis puts them at greater risk for falls?
Definition
muscle wewakness and hypotension.
Term
A patient with metabolic alkalosis caused by diuretic therapy will be treated with?
Definition
fluid and electrolyte replacement. Diuretic therapy will be stopped (at least temporarily)
Term
A patient with metabolic alkalosis caused by prolonged vomiting will be treated with?
Definition
Antiemetic drugs
Term
A patient with metabolic alkalosis caused by prolonged gastric suctioning will be treated with?
Definition
Drug therapy. Gastric suctioning will be discontinued
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