Acid-Base Imbalances Quiz
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary result of an acid-base imbalance?

  • Change in the ratio of acid to base content (correct)
  • Decreased oxygen levels in blood
  • Increase in blood glucose levels
  • Increased heart rate
  • Which of the following is a characteristic of metabolic acidosis?

  • Bicarbonate concentration is less than 22 mEq/L (correct)
  • pH rises above 7.45
  • Increase in carbonic acid
  • Respiratory rate decreases
  • What indicates respiratory acidosis?

  • pH around 7.40 and normal bicarbonate levels
  • pH below 7.45 with normal carbon dioxide levels
  • pH above 7.45 and carbon dioxide below 35 mmHg
  • pH below 7.35 and carbon dioxide above 45 mmHg (correct)
  • How does metabolic alkalosis generally manifest in the body?

    <p>Increased bicarbonate concentration above 26 mEq/L (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common cause of metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Diabetic ketoacidosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What pH level categorizes respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Above 7.45 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can result in an increase of carbonic acid in the body?

    <p>Acute hypoventilation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a classification of acid-base imbalances?

    <p>Neurogenic imbalances (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Mr. James's most immediate nursing priority upon arrival in the emergency department, considering his presenting symptoms?

    <p>Assess airway, breathing, and circulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which symptom most likely indicates Mr. James is experiencing a state of shock?

    <p>Cool and clammy skin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why might Mr. James be exhibiting confusion and disorientation after the fall?

    <p>Severe blood loss and hypovolemia (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What vital sign indicates potential hypovolemic shock in Mr. James?

    <p>Blood pressure of 100/60 mmHg (A), Heart rate of 130 bpm (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What diagnostic test is most likely to be ordered for Mr. James to assess his blood loss?

    <p>Complete blood count (CBC) (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When assessing Mr. James in the emergency department, which finding would be a focus of concern beyond the initial assessment?

    <p>Urinary output via catheter at 20 mL in an hour (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of Mr. James's treatment, what is the purpose of administering normal saline via large-bore IVs?

    <p>To restore blood volume and improve circulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic of Mr. James's vital signs suggests he is in a state of tachycardia?

    <p>Heart rate of 130 bpm (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a by-product produced from the metabolism of fats that leads to metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Ketone bodies (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can result from starvation and lead to metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Acute alcoholism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which scenario is associated with systemic lactic acidosis?

    <p>Sepsis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common consequence of excessive exercise in relation to metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Inadequate buffering of muscle acidity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can cause metabolic acidosis due to an overdose of a specific drug?

    <p>Salicylate toxicity (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of diuretic drugs like spironolactone on metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Conserve hydrogen ions (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can decrease bicarbonate levels leading to metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Severe diarrhea (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What causes an increase in chloride ions that results in metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Use of bile acid sequestrants (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary cause of respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Decreased respiratory rate (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which lung disease is likely to lead to respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Cystic fibrosis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological change results from hyperventilation?

    <p>Decreased carbon dioxide levels (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may cause metabolic alkalosis due to loss of hydrochloric acid?

    <p>Self-induced vomiting (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What serum level changes characterize respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Increased carbon dioxide and normal bicarbonate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can excessive use of sodium bicarbonate lead to metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>It decreases hydrogen ion concentration (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which compensation mechanism is employed by the lungs during metabolic acidosis?

    <p>Increasing respiration rate to eliminate carbon dioxide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In respiratory alkalosis, which action is taken by the kidneys?

    <p>Excreting bicarbonate and conserving hydrogen ions (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical ratio of bicarbonate to carbonic acid in a compensated acid-base status?

    <p>20:1 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What primary disorder is characterized by a deficiency in bicarbonate?

    <p>Metabolic acidosis (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What happens when the respiratory system compensates for metabolic alkalosis?

    <p>Decreased ventilation and carbon dioxide retention (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which system primarily regulates acid-base balance related to carbonic acid?

    <p>The carbonic acid bicarbonate buffer system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In metabolic alkalosis, what happens to respiration rates?

    <p>Increases to expel carbon dioxide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When the pH returns to normal due to compensation, it is said to be what?

    <p>Fully compensated (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the effect of metabolic acidosis on the body's ventilation rate?

    <p>Increased ventilation to eliminate carbon dioxide (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following changes occurs in respiratory acidosis regarding bicarbonate levels?

    <p>Bicarbonate levels increase while pH decreases (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What typically triggers the compensation mechanisms in acid-base disorders?

    <p>pH deviations from normal (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What physiological process primarily causes hyperventilation due to anxiety?

    <p>Release of epinephrine (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a risk factor for acid-base imbalances?

    <p>Critically ill patients (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following correctly describes respiratory alkalosis?

    <p>Decrease in carbon dioxide levels (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which condition can cause an increase in body metabolism leading to hyperventilation?

    <p>Thyrotoxicosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the most common consequence of cardiac arrest related to acid–base imbalance?

    <p>Respiratory acidosis (A), Metabolic acidosis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is crucial in differentiating between metabolic and respiratory acid-base disorders?

    <p>The primary cause of the change in serum pH (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following can increase the respiratory rate due to elevated body temperature?

    <p>Fever (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does the intentional overdose of salicylate drugs have on respiration?

    <p>Increases respiratory rate (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following conditions typically results in chronic respiratory acidosis?

    <p>Cystic fibrosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In metabolic alkalosis, which factor can contribute to the increase in serum bicarbonate?

    <p>Excess bicarbonate administration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one consequence of severe hypercapnia?

    <p>Respiratory acidosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following would most likely NOT lead to hyperventilation?

    <p>Deep sleep (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these factors does NOT commonly cause a decrease in arterial pH?

    <p>Increased bicarbonate levels (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Acute respiratory conditions may lead to what type of acid-base imbalance?

    <p>Respiratory acidosis (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Acid-Base Imbalances

    Conditions where the balance between acids and bases in the body is disrupted, often due to disease or inadequate compensatory mechanisms.

    Metabolic Acidosis

    A condition where the body's pH falls below 7.35 due to increased acid or decreased bicarbonate.

    Metabolic Alkalosis

    A condition where the body's pH rises above 7.45 due to decreased acid or increased bicarbonate.

    Respiratory Acidosis

    A condition where the body's pH falls below 7.35 due to increased carbon dioxide, which forms carbonic acid.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis

    A condition where the body's pH rises above 7.45 due to decreased carbon dioxide, and thus decreased carbonic acid.

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    Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

    A type of metabolic acidosis caused by uncontrolled diabetes, where the body metabolizes fats for energy, producing excess acids.

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    CO2 pressure (PCO2)

    The pressure exerted by dissolved carbon dioxide in the blood; a key indicator of respiratory function.

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    Bicarbonate (HCO3-)

    A crucial base in the body, an important part of buffering the blood against pH changes.

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    Respiratory System's Role

    The respiratory system, through its control over carbon dioxide levels, plays a crucial role in regulating blood pH.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Starvation

    Extreme caloric restriction, like in eating disorders or acute alcoholism, forces the body to burn fats instead of glucose, creating acidic ketone bodies.

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    Renal System's Role

    The kidneys, through their control of bicarbonate levels, are essential in managing blood pH.

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    Primary Acid-Base Disorders

    These are classified as either metabolic or respiratory, depending on the primary cause of the pH change.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Kidney Failure

    Damaged kidneys can't remove enough acid from the blood, leading to a buildup of hydrogen ions.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Shock

    Poor blood flow and oxygen deprivation leads to cells producing energy without oxygen, creating lactic acid.

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    Causes of Metabolic Acidosis

    Common causes include diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, renal failure, and severe diarrhea.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Excessive Exercise

    During strenuous exercise, cells can't produce enough energy aerobically, leading to a buildup of acid in muscles.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Aspirin Poisoning

    Aspirin is acidic. Overdosing causes a buildup of acid in the body.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Metformin Side Effect

    Certain diabetes medication can cause lactic acidosis, especially in people with kidney problems.

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    Causes of Metabolic Alkalosis

    Common causes include excessive vomiting, hypokalemia, and excessive bicarbonate administration.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: HIV Drugs

    Some HIV medications damage cells, causing a significant production of lactic acid.

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    Causes of Respiratory Acidosis

    Common causes include acute respiratory conditions like pneumonia, opiate overdose, and chronic respiratory conditions like COPD.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Diuretics (Spironolactone)

    These drugs cause the body to excrete less acid, leading to a build-up in the blood.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Cause: Severe Diarrhea

    Losing bicarbonate-rich fluids through diarrhea can disrupt the body's acid-base balance.

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    Causes of Respiratory Alkalosis

    Common causes include anxiety-induced hyperventilation, fever, and early salicylate intoxication.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis Cause: Vomiting

    Vomiting removes stomach acid, leading to a loss of hydrogen ions.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis Cause: Diuretics (Loop)

    Loop diuretics can cause the body to lose excessive chloride ions, contributing to metabolic alkalosis.

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    Mixed Acid-Base Disorders

    These involve a combination of respiratory and metabolic imbalances, often with complex causes.

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    Cardiac Arrest and Mixed Disorders

    This condition presents with severe metabolic acidosis, respiratory acidosis, and hypoxemia, a prime example of mixed disorders.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis Cause: Baking Soda Abuse

    Excessive use of sodium bicarbonate elevates bicarbonate levels in the blood, leading to alkalosis.

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    Hyperventilation

    An increase in the rate and depth of breathing, often leading to respiratory alkalosis.

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    Respiratory Acidosis Cause: Narcotic Overdose

    Narcotic overdose slows breathing, causing carbon dioxide buildup.

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    Causes of Hyperventilation

    Common causes include anxiety, pain, stress, thyrotoxicosis, fever, and salicylate overdose.

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    Compensation Mechanism

    The body's natural response to correct an acid-base imbalance. The lungs, kidneys, or both work together to restore the proper pH.

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    Respiratory Compensation

    The lungs adjust their breathing rate and depth to help correct metabolic acid-base imbalances.

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    Renal Compensation

    The kidneys adjust their bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion to help correct respiratory acid-base imbalances.

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    Carbonic Acid Bicarbonate Buffer System

    The primary buffer system in the lungs. It converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbonic acid (H2CO3) and bicarbonate (HCO3-), helping to maintain the blood's pH.

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    Metabolic Acidosis Compensation

    The respiratory system increases ventilation (breathing faster) to expel more CO2, reducing carbonic acid (H2CO3) levels.

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    Metabolic Alkalosis Compensation

    The respiratory system decreases ventilation (breathing slower) to retain more CO2, increasing carbonic acid (H2CO3) levels.

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    Respiratory Acidosis Compensation

    The kidneys increase bicarbonate reabsorption and hydrogen ion excretion to restore the proper balance.

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    Respiratory Alkalosis Compensation

    The kidneys increase bicarbonate excretion and hydrogen ion retention to restore the balance.

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    Fully Compensated

    A state where an acid-base imbalance has been completely corrected, and the pH has returned to the normal range.

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    Partially Compensated

    A state where an acid-base imbalance has been partially corrected, but the pH is still outside the normal range.

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    What's the priority system to assess?

    Initially focus on the cardiovascular system due to the patient's signs of shock, including cool, clammy skin, thready pulse, and low blood pressure.

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    Thready pulse: priority?

    A weak, rapid pulse is a sign of poor blood circulation, indicating shock. The priority is to address this by stabilizing the patient's hemodynamics and preventing further complications.

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    Why confusion?

    The patient's confusion and disorientation likely stem from inadequate blood flow to the brain, which can be caused by shock, blood loss, or potential head injury.

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    Priority interventions

    The immediate priorities are identifying and treating the underlying cause of shock, ensuring adequate oxygenation and fluid resuscitation, monitoring vital signs closely, and assessing for any potential head injuries.

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    Expected diagnostic tests

    The physician will likely order blood tests (CBC, electrolytes, blood gases), imaging studies (chest x-ray, CT scan of the head), and potentially a urine analysis to assess the patient's overall condition and identify the source of bleeding.

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    What does a thready pulse indicate?

    A thready pulse, characterized by a weak and rapid pulse, signifies significantly reduced blood volume and pressure, indicating shock or a circulatory issue.

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    What is a makeshift tourniquet?

    A makeshift tourniquet is a temporary measure for controlling severe bleeding, often improvised using materials found at hand.

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    What is a nonrebreather mask?

    A nonrebreather mask is a type of oxygen delivery device that delivers a high concentration of oxygen to a patient, typically used in emergencies.

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    Study Notes

    Acid-Base Imbalances

    • Acid-base imbalances are categorized as acidosis or alkalosis, arising from a disruption in the 20:1 ratio of acid to base.
    • Imbalances can result from underlying diseases or insufficient compensatory mechanisms.
    • Imbalances are classified as respiratory or metabolic.
    • Metabolic imbalances affect the base, while respiratory ones involve carbonic acid concentration changes.

    Metabolic Acidosis

    • Characterized by decreased pH (below 7.35) and bicarbonate concentration (below 22 mEq/L).
    • Caused by:
      • Increased hydrogen ions:
        • Uncontrolled diabetes (diabetic ketoacidosis)
        • Eating disorders/alcoholism (starvation)
        • Chronic kidney failure
        • Heart failure/sepsis/blood loss/shock/cardiac arrest (lactic acidosis)
        • Excessive exercise (muscle metabolic acidosis)
        • Salicylate toxicity
        • Antidiabetic drugs (lactic acidosis)
        • HIV/AIDS medication (lactic acidosis)
      • Decreased bicarbonate:
        • Severe diarrhea/intestinal fistulas/laxative abuse
        • Drugs that block bicarbonate reabsorption/kidney damage
      • Increased chloride:
        • Bile acid sequestrants
        • Excessive sodium chloride IV fluids

    Metabolic Alkalosis

    • Characterized by increased pH (above 7.45) and bicarbonate concentration (greater than 26 mEq/L).
    • Caused by:
      • Decreased hydrogen ions:
        • Excessive vomiting
      • Decreased chloride:
        • Excessive loop diuretic use
      • Increased bicarbonate:
        • Excessive sodium bicarbonate use

    Respiratory Acidosis

    • Caused by carbon dioxide retention, increasing carbonic acid.
    • Characterized by decreased pH (below 7.35) and increased carbon dioxide partial pressure (above 45 mmHg).
    • Associated with hypoventilation.
    • Example causes:
      • Opiate overdose
      • Lung diseases (COPD, asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema)
      • Foreign body aspiration

    Respiratory Alkalosis

    • Caused by carbon dioxide loss (hyperventilation).
    • Characterized by increased pH (above 7.45) and decreased carbon dioxide partial pressure (below 35 mmHg).
    • Associated with hyperventilation.
    • Example causes:
      • Anxiety/pain/stress
      • Thyrotoxicosis (excessive thyroid)
      • Fever, infection, high altitude
      • Salicylate overdose

    Compensation

    • The respiratory and renal systems compensate for each other to restore the 20:1 acid-to-base ratio.
    • Lungs compensate for metabolic imbalances by adjusting ventilation.
    • Kidneys compensate for respiratory imbalances by altering bicarbonate and hydrogen ion levels.
    • Compensation can be partial or full, depending on the extent of pH return to normal.

    Acid-Base Imbalance Clinical Example (Mr. James)

    • Mr. James, a rock climber, suffered a traumatic injury causing significant blood loss.
    • Initial focus is on managing Mr. James's hypovolemia due to blood loss and assessing oxygenation.
    • Priority nursing interventions should involve restoring circulating volume via IV fluids, and checking signs of shock.
    • Confusion/disorientation may result from hypovolemia, hypoxemia, and/or pain-related stress response.
    • Potential diagnostic tests may include blood tests, urinary output and possible chest x-ray.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge on acid-base imbalances, focusing on the distinctions between acidosis and alkalosis, and the role of metabolic and respiratory factors. Understand the causes of metabolic acidosis and its impact on pH and bicarbonate levels.

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