Understanding Blood pH Levels Quiz

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What range of pH is considered acidic in human blood?

6.9 to 7.35

7.45 to 7.8

6.9 to 7.8 (correct)

7.35 to 7.45

Which substance is used by the lungs to help maintain blood pH?

Carbonic acid (correct)

Amino acids

Lactic acid

HCO3–

Which body organ is responsible for utilizing bicarbonate to regulate blood pH?

Kidneys (correct)

Lungs

Liver

Heart

What pH range characterizes alkalosis in human blood?

7.45 to 7.8 Signup and view all the answers

Which laboratory evaluation is used to interpret acid–base balance in the body?

Arterial blood gas (ABG) Signup and view all the answers

What is the expected range for the pH of human blood according to the text?

7.35 to 7.45 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of respiratory acidosis?

Hyperventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a nursing intervention for a client experiencing respiratory alkalosis?

Monitoring respiratory rate Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of metabolic acidosis?

Diabetic ketoacidosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of metabolic alkalosis?

Hyperventilation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a nursing intervention for a client experiencing metabolic acidosis?

Monitoring intake and output Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of respiratory alkalosis?

Anxiety Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the lungs in maintaining acid-base balance?

Excreting excess carbon dioxide from the body Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) limiting airflow Signup and view all the answers

In an acute episode of respiratory acidosis, how does the body attempt to restore acid-base balance?

By increasing the rate and depth of respirations to excrete more CO2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between pH and bicarbonate levels in metabolic acid-base disorders?

pH and bicarbonate levels change in the same direction Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of respiratory acidosis?

Central nervous system depression from trauma or sedatives Signup and view all the answers

In chronic respiratory acidosis conditions, such as COPD, how does the body attempt to maintain acid-base balance?

By retaining bicarbonate to counteract the excess acidity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the kidneys in metabolic acidosis?

To rid the body of excess acid Signup and view all the answers

In respiratory alkalosis, what is the body's response?

The kidneys excrete bicarbonate through urine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation?

Offer a paper bag for the client to breathe into Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing metabolic alkalosis?

Initiate seizure precautions and continuous cardiac monitoring Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the lungs in respiratory acidosis?

To retain more carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following client conditions would warrant obtaining arterial blood gases (ABGs)?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

How long does it typically take for the lungs and kidneys to respond to an acid-base imbalance, respectively?

Minutes to hours for the lungs, hours to days for the kidneys Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Test your knowledge on the concept of blood pH levels, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity in the body. Learn about the pH scale and the impact of acidic and alkaline blood pH on health.