Acid/Base

Question 1

Respiratory Acidosis

Answer 1

• Acid excess
• Caused by: decrease in alveolar ventilation (hypoventilation) resulting in retention of CO2, pneumonia, COPD
• Low pH, high CO2, normal or high HCO3
• S/S: restlessness, rapid respiratory rate
• Tx: improve ventilation, provide O2 (acute)

Question 2

Respiratory Alkalosis

Answer 2

• Acid deficit - decrease in CO2
• Caused by: any increase in ventilation (hyperventilation), anxiety
• High pH, low pCO2, normal or low HCO3,
• S/S: parathesia, CNS stimulation, seizures
• Tx: underlying cause, anxiety meds to relax
• Compensated by: body trying to breathe slower

Question 3

Metabolic Acidosis

Answer 3

• Base deficit
• Caused by: deficit of HCO3, diabetes, ASA overdose, diarrhea
• Low pH, normal or low pCO2, low HCO3
• S/S: deep respiration, high K, abdominal cramping, nausea
• Tx: underlying cause, NaHCO3
• Lungs compensate by increase CO2 excretion to get rid of acid to balance pH

Question 4

Metabolic Alkalosis

Answer 4

• Base excess
• Caused by: excess HCO3, vomiting, excessive HCO3 intake
• High pH, normal or high pCO2, high HCO3
• S/S: slow respirations, LOC changes, tingling
• Tx: underlying cause
• Lungs compensate by retaining CO2