Fisdap Medical Emergencies Unit Exam S.G.

"The Bends" aka Decompression sickness - Quiz Question: 41 yom SCUBA diver with STIFF JOINTS and a HEADACHE A condition resulting from nitrogen trapped in the body's tissues caused by coming up too quickly from a deep, prolonged dive. A symptom of decompression sickness is "the bends" or deep pain in the muscles and joints. Acid-Base balance and buffering system of ph - M. Alkalosis: Elevation of HCO3- usually caused by an excessive loss of metabolic acids M. Acidosis: Low pH, low HCO3. decreased pH in blood and body tissues as a result of an upset in metabolism R. Alkalosis: High pH, low CO2. Arise in blood pH due to hyperventilation (excessive breathing) and a resulting decrease in CO2. R. Acidosis: Low pH, High CO2. A drop in blood pH due to hypoventilation (too little breathing) and a resulting accumulation of Co2. - How does chemical buffer work to balance pH? Acidosis inactivate h+ ions and increase HCO3 concentration to increase pH Alkalosis chemical buffers generate more h+ ions and decreases HCO3 concentration to decrease pH What are the 3 main buffering systems? Protein Phosphate Carbonic Acids/Bicarbonate Airway infections (Others) - - Epiglottitis: Fever, Drooling - Respiratory syncytial virus