MDC 1 EXAM 2 CERTIFICATION
EVALUATION TEST PAPER FULL SOLUTION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PACK
●● 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*
▪ 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)
▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection)
Answer: Treatment for Respiratory Acidosis
●● ▪ increase respirations to increase pH
Answer: What does your body do to compensate for respiratory
acidosis?
EVALUATION TEST PAPER FULL SOLUTION
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS PACK
●● 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*
▪ 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)
▪ Antibiotics (if it's infection)
Answer: Treatment for Respiratory Acidosis
●● ▪ increase respirations to increase pH
Answer: What does your body do to compensate for respiratory
acidosis?
