Acid-Base Balance & Drug Levels

If pH is less than 7.35, the acid-base imbalance is considered alkalotic.

In respiratory alkalosis, both pH and $HCO_3$ move in opposite directions.

The primary compensatory response in metabolic alkalosis is increased respiratory rate to retain $CO_2$.

In metabolic acidosis, Kussmaul respirations represent the body's attempt to compensate by increasing the respiratory rate and depth to expel more $CO_2$.

In alkalosis, one would expect to see hyperkalemia because of the increased pH.

If a patient is being underventilated, it would be appropriate to pick alkalosis since the pH is over 7.45.

High pressure alarms on a ventilator are triggered by decreased resistance to airflow.

In instances of tube disconnection from a ventilator, the action is to reconnect the tube even if on the floor, and immediately call a respiratory therapist.

If a patient's ABGs indicate respiratory alkalosis, physician should be notified that they are not ready to be weaned off the ventilator.

The primary psychological problem in all abuse situations, including child, spousal, and elder abuse, is acceptance.

In instances of loss and grief, the correct action is to always confront the individual in their denial.

In dependency/co-dependency situations, the co-dependent pt is the abuser and should be confronted

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is primarily caused by a deficiency in Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).

Confabulation, seen in Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, involves intentionally deceiving others with fabricated stories.

The onset of action for Antabuse/Revia is immediate, providing instant alcohol aversion.

It is adviseable to use products such as vanilla extract freely as symptoms of n/v even death from antiabuse can only be observed with strong alcoholic drinks

If an elderly pt has laxative abuse, it is correct to consider it an upper for prioritization.

When dealing with an overdose of an 'upper', the priority nursing action is to intubate the patient for ventilation.

For a newborn less than 24 hours after birth, intoxication is always assumed, not withdrawal in prioritizing.

In alcohol withdrawal syndrome, administering restraints is a routine step to preventing injury.

Azithromycin is safe to give to those with aminoglycoside as they won't be ototoxic or nephrotixic.

The best indicator of kidney function is serum creatinine.

In drawing a trough and peak, it is always important to draw for all medicine, even insulin.

Administering two different IV medicines at the same time and route (IV) will not peak together

Calcium Channel blockers accelerate the SA node to increase heart rate improving cardiac output

A patient in sinus rhythm must have the same QRS distance.

Ventricular tachycardia has no pattern.

Ventricular rhythms are treated with Adenocard.

In water seal chamber of a chest tube breaks, cut the tube away before clamping

If a chest tube is bubbling continuously in the water seal chamber, this is a good sign that needs to be documented.

The upper arm should be supported on the side when utilizing a cane.

A pt who is non-psychotic needs to addressed like the psych pt and you must not use normal interaction techniques.

The exam is looking for reflection, clarification, amplification, restatement as part of the psychotic evaluation

A patient with diabetes insipidus would have increased ADH levels due to inability to retain fluids.

Type II DM patients can be treated by calories from carbs, and it is most important

Glargine (Lantus) is a long acting insulin and would have an hourly peak to watch for

Hypoglycemia and HNK are the two problems most sick diabetic patient have

The most important action to tell a patient with HIATAL HERNIA is to reduce the carbs with the food

All kalemias follow the direction of the prefix (hypo, hyper)

In a potassium value that requires intervention the answer action is to infuse 35 of HCL into Pt via IV