Understanding Blood pH Levels Quiz

Understanding Acid-Base Balance

• The body maintains a delicate balance between acidic and alkaline substances to maintain homeostasis.
• The pH level of the blood indicates the degree of acidity or alkalinity, with a normal range of 7.35 to 7.45.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis

• ABG analysis is used to interpret acid-base balance in the body.
• The results indicate whether there is an acid-base imbalance and its origin (respiratory or metabolic).
• ABG analysis includes:
  • pH: acidity or alkalinity of the blood
  • PaCO2: partial pressure of carbon dioxide (indicates respiratory component)
  • HCO3–: bicarbonate level (indicates metabolic component)

Interpreting ABG Results

• Step 1: Look at the pH level (normal range: 7.35 to 7.45).
• Step 2: Look at the PaCO2 to determine the respiratory component (normal range: 35 to 45 mm Hg).
• Step 3: Look at the HCO3– to determine the metabolic component (normal range: 21 to 28 mEq/L).

Respiratory Acid-Base Imbalance

• Respiratory acidosis: high PaCO2, low pH (acidic environment).
• Causes: central nervous system depression, spinal cord injury, pulmonary diseases, functional disorders.
• Manifestations: anxiety, confusion, fatigue, shortness of breath, lethargy, sleepiness, tremors, flushed skin, sweating.
• Treatment: identify and treat underlying cause, supplemental oxygen administration, medications, and nursing interventions.

Respiratory Alkalosis

• Respiratory alkalosis: low PaCO2, high pH (alkaline environment).
• Causes: hyperventilation, pain, anxiety, severe stress, pregnancy, sepsis, infection, trauma, fever.
• Manifestations: lightheadedness, dizziness, confusion, chest discomfort, numbness in hands and feet.
• Treatment: decrease breathing rate, treat underlying cause, and nursing interventions.

Metabolic Acid-Base Imbalance

• Metabolic acidosis: low HCO3–, low pH (acidic environment).
• Causes: renal or hepatic failure, pancreatitis, dehydration, diabetic ketoacidosis, lactic acidosis, salicylate intoxication.
• Manifestations: long and deep breaths, confusion, headache, tachycardia, lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea/vomiting.
• Treatment: correct underlying cause, administer sodium bicarbonate, IV fluids, and nursing interventions.

Metabolic Alkalosis

• Metabolic alkalosis: high HCO3–, high pH (alkaline environment).
• Causes: prolonged vomiting, gastric suctioning, excessive use of diuretics or antacids, renal impairment, hypokalemia, hypovolemia.
• Manifestations: muscle twitching, lethargy, nausea, vomiting, tremors, numbness, lightheadedness, headache.
• Treatment: identify and correct underlying cause, and nursing interventions.

Nursing Interventions

• Monitor respiratory effort, lung sounds, and airway.
• Monitor vital signs, I&O, and subsequent ABG or lab results.
• Administer treatments as prescribed.
• Provide fall precautions and continuous cardiac monitoring.
• Prioritize client safety and address hypoxia.

Role of the Nurse

• Obtain and analyze ABG results.
• Identify potential problems and determine client's condition (e.g., acidosis vs. alkalosis, metabolic vs. respiratory).
• Implement interventions to address client's needs and cause of the problem.
• Develop goals tailored to the client's needs and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.