MDC II Exam 2

MDC II Exam 2 look at pH What is your first step when interpreting ABGs? Respiratory acidosis What acid-base imbalance would you expect to see in an asthmatic patient? Things to Look Out for When Buying a Used Caravan COPD asthma muscle weakness ▪ inadequate chest expansion ▪ pneumonia ▪ pulmonary edema ▪ sleep apnea ▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte imbalance ▪ high ICP 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 ▪ 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 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) ▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection) Treatment for Respiratory Acidosis ▪ increase respirations to increase pH What does your body do to compensate for respiratory acidosis? ▪ impaired gas exchange Nursing Diagnosis for Respiratory Acidosis respiratory acidosis low pH, high CO2 metabolic acidosis low pH, low HCO3 respiratory alkalosis high pH, low CO2 metabolic alkalosis high pH, high HCO3 Uncompensated pH and one other value are abnormal. Fully compensated pH is normal, but the other 2 are abnormal.