Medical-Surgical Nursing, 9th Ed., Ignatavicius & Workman, 2018 | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid
pH - Blood and Urine Lab Value
- Blood
- 7.35 - 7.45
- Urine
- 4.0 - 8.0
Blood Acid-Base Control
- In a State of Acidemia
- Medullary Chemoreceptors Control Ventilation Rate
- Expulsion of CO2 through Lungs Increases pH
- Bicarbonate Reabsorption from the Kidney Increases pH
- Kidney Excretion of H+ Increases pH
Metabolic Acidosis Assessment
- Decreased pH < 7.35
- Decreased HCO3 < 22
- Abdominal Pain
- CNS Depression
- Coma
- Hypotension
- Arrhythmias
- Increased Respirations
- Kussmaul Respirations
- Flushed, Warm, Dry Skin
- Muscle Weakness
Respiratory Acidosis Assessment
- Decreased pH < 7.35
- Increased PaCO2 > 45
- Reduced Respirations
- Anxiety
- Change in LOC
- Tachycardia
- Cyanosis
- Increased Electrolytes
- ECG Changes
- Muscle Weakness
- Hyporeflexia
Hyperkalemia
- > 5.0 mEq/L K+
- Abdominal Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Arrhythmia
- Tall, Peaked T Waves
- IV Calcium
- Infusion of Glucose and Insulin
- Loop or Thiazide Diuretics
- Kayexalate
- Dialysis
- Prevention Education
How to Interpret Acid Base Disorders
- pH, pCO₂, HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
- pH
- Acidosis
- Alkalosis
- pCO₂
- Opposite Direction as pH
- Respiratory Acidosis
- Respiratory Alkalosis
- HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
- Same Direction as pH
- Metabolic Acidosis
- Metabolic Alkalosis
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
- Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Follow ABGs
- Continuously Monitor Patient
Respiratory Acidosis Interventions
- Improve Respiration
- Bronchodilators
- Respiratory Stimulants
- Drug Antagonists
- Oxygen
- Assisted Ventilation
- Prevent Complications
Metabolic Alkalosis Assessment
- Increased pH > 7.45
- Increased HCO3 > 26
- Excitable State
- Arrhythmias
- Paresthesias
- Muscle Cramps
- Muscle Weakness
- Decreased Respiratory Effort
Respiratory Alkalosis Assessment
- Increased pH > 7.45
- Decreased PaCO2 < 35 mmHg
- Hyperventilation
- Brainstem Stimulation
- Head Injury
- Shock
- Lightheadedness
- Tingling Lips or Fingers
- Trousseau's
- Chvostek's Sign
- Anxiety
Hypocalcemia
- Muscle Spasms
- < 8.5 mg/dL Ca2+
- Decreased Bone Density
- Tetany
- Chvostek's Sign
- Trousseau's Sign
- Increased DTR
- ECG Changes
- QT Prolongation
- Oral and IV Replacement of Ca2+
- Seizure Precautions
Hypocalcemia Causes
- Hypoalbuminemia
- Hypomagnesemia (Less Common Hypermagnesemia)
- Hypovitaminosis D
- Hypoparathyroidism
- Medications
- Hyperphosphatemia
- Malnutrition
- Acute Pancreatitis
- Alkalosis
- Sepsis
- Chronic Kidney Disease
Hypokalemia
- < 3.5 mEq/L
- Muscle Weakness
- Arrhythmia
- U Wave
- Ileus
- Hyporeflexia
- IV K+ Infusion at 5-10 mEq/hr
- Give Orally with Food
- Monitor Respiratory Status
Metabolic Alkalosis Interventions
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Stop Potassium (K+) Wasting Diuretics
- Spironolactone
- Acetazolamide
- IV Fluids
- Sodium Chloride
- Replace Potassium (K+)
- Monitor Respiratory Rate
- Monitor Heart Rate
- Seizure Precautions
Respiratory Alkalosis Interventions
- Treat Underlying Cause
- Decrease Tidal Volume and/or Respiratory Rate
- Give Adequate Pain Control and Sedation
- Sedatives
- Antidepressants
- Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate
- Calming Breathing Exercises
- Correct CO2 Slowly
Prevention of Falls
- Physical Aging
- Polypharmacy
- Environmental
- Call Light within Reach
- Assistive Devices Available
- Bed Alarms
- Improve Lighting
- Remove Home Hazards
- Promote Exercise
- Fall Risk Assessment