MDCA EXAM 2 REVIEW - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE | RATED A+.

MDCA EXAM 2 REVIEW - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE |
RATED A+.



look at pH - (answer)What is your first step when interpreting ABGs?



Respiratory acidosis - (answer)What acid-base imbalance would you expect to see in an asthmatic
patient?



*COPD*

*asthma*

*muscle weakness*

▪ inadequate chest expansion

▪ pneumonia

▪ pulmonary edema

▪ sleep apnea

▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte imbalance

▪ high ICP - (answer)Common causes of Respiratory Acidosis



*Vital Signs, think LOW & SLOW*

▪ bradycardia, thready weak pulses

▪ hypotension

▪ hypoxia



*Electrolyte Imbalance*

▪ hyperkalemia



*Skin*

▪ pale, cyanotic



*CNS Depression, think LOW & SLOW*

, MDCA EXAM 2 REVIEW - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS | 2026 UPDATE |
RATED A+.



▪ lethargy

▪ confusion

▪ stupor

▪ coma

▪ headache



*Musculoskeletal, think LOW & SLOW*

▪ hyporeflexia

▪ muscle weakness

▪ flaccid paralysis



*Cardiac*

▪ heart dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia)

▪ increased cardiac output

▪ EKG changes - tall T waves, wide QRS, prolonged PR interval - (answer)S/S of Respiratory Acidosis

(acidosis has similar s/s no matter if met. or resp.)



*stabilize airway (patent)*

*bronchodilators*

▪ O2

▪ Pulmonary hygiene (positioning and breathing/coughing techniques)

▪ Suction PRN

▪ If on ventilation, increase ventilation rate.

▪ Endotracheal intubation



For underlying causes:

▪ Correct electrolyte balance (hyperkalemia)