MDC II Exam 2 Questions and Answers Already Passed

MDC II Exam 2 Questions and Answers Already Passed What is your first step when interpreting ABGs? look at pH What acid-base imbalance would you expect to see in an asthmatic patient? Respiratory acidosis Common causes of Respiratory Acidosis *COPD* *asthma* *muscle weakness* ▪ inadequate chest expansion ▪ pneumonia ▪ pulmonary edema ▪ sleep apnea ▪ respiratory depression r/t: drugs, alcohol, anesthesia, electrolyte imbalance ▪ high ICP S/S of Respiratory Acidosis (acidosis has similar s/s no matter if met. or resp.) *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 Treatment for Respiratory Acidosis *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) What does your body do to compensate for respiratory acidosis? ▪ increase respirations to increase pH Nursing Diagnosis for Respiratory Acidosis ▪ impaired gas exchange low pH, high CO2 respiratory acidosis low pH, low HCO3 metabolic acidosis