1. Causes of respiratory acidosis (low ph/ high CO2) <Ans> -Hypoventilation
-Drug overdose
-Pulmonary edema
-Chest trauma/neuromuscular disease
-COPD
-Airway obstruction
2. Causes of Metabolic Acidosis (low pH/low HCO3) <Ans> -Diabetic ketoacidosis
-Salicylate OD
-Renal failure
-Severe diarrhea
-Sepsis
-Shock
3. How to evaluate that treatment is working for respiratory acidosis? <Ans> -Main-
tains adequate gas exchange
-Arterial pH above 7.2 and closer to 7.35
-PaO2 level above 90 mmHg or at least 10 mm Hg higher than their admission level
-PaCO2 levels below 45 mmHg or at least 15 mm Hg below their admission level
4. Alkalosis pathophysiology <Ans> Alkalosis is a decrease in the free hydrogen ion
level of the blood and is reflected by an arterial blood pH above 7.45.
5. Metabolic Alkalosis: Base excess in what? <Ans> Excessive intake bicarbonates,
carbonates, acetates, citrates
6. Cause of acid deficit? <Ans> Prolonged vomiting, excess cortisol, hyperaldostero-
nism, thiazide diuretics, prolonged NG suction, loss of gastric fluids.
7. Hallmark of base excess acidosis? <Ans> ABG result with ‘ pH and ‘ bicarbonate level
1/
13
, with normal O2 and CO2 levels
8. What is citrate? <Ans> citrate is an anticoagulant used in blood products that is rapidly
metabolized in the liver
9. What can happen when blood is rapidly administered? <Ans> rapid administration
of large quantities of stored blood can cause hypocalcemia and hypomagnesmia.
10. The nurse is evaluating the laboratory work of a patient who has uncon- trolled
metabolic acidosis. Which outcome would result from this condition?
A. pH 7.40
B. Pao2 98 mm Hg
C.Bicarbonate 38 mEq/L
Serum potassium 5.7 mEq/L <Ans> D
Metabolic acidosis is reflected by several changes in ABG values. The pH is low (<7.35).
The bicarbonate level is low (<21 mEq/L). The partial pressure of arterial
2/
13