Podcast Beta
Questions and Answers
What range of pH is considered acidic in human blood?
Which substance is used by the lungs to help maintain blood pH?
Which body organ is responsible for utilizing bicarbonate to regulate blood pH?
What pH range characterizes alkalosis in human blood?
Signup and view all the answers
Which laboratory evaluation is used to interpret acid–base balance in the body?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the expected range for the pH of human blood according to the text?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of respiratory acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a nursing intervention for a client experiencing respiratory alkalosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a cause of metabolic acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is NOT a manifestation of metabolic alkalosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a nursing intervention for a client experiencing metabolic acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a cause of respiratory alkalosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary role of the lungs in maintaining acid-base balance?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following conditions is most likely to cause respiratory acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
In an acute episode of respiratory acidosis, how does the body attempt to restore acid-base balance?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the relationship between pH and bicarbonate levels in metabolic acid-base disorders?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following is a cause of respiratory acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
In chronic respiratory acidosis conditions, such as COPD, how does the body attempt to maintain acid-base balance?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary role of the kidneys in metabolic acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
In respiratory alkalosis, what is the body's response?
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?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following would be an appropriate nursing intervention for a client experiencing metabolic alkalosis?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary role of the lungs in respiratory acidosis?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following client conditions would warrant obtaining arterial blood gases (ABGs)?
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?
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.
