Arterial Blood Gases (ABG's) Latest Questions And Answers Graded A+ 2024 Guide

Arterial Blood Gases (ABG's) Latest Questions And Answers Graded A+ 2024 Guide ABG Interpretation : What does the relationship between pH and PCO2 indicate? - A respiratory problem ABG Interpretation : What does the relationship between pH and PHCO3 indicate? - A metabolic problem Give 2 examples of compensatory mechanisms. - Lungs and Kidneys How are acids excreted from the body? - Some exit via the lungs; others are buffered and excreted via kidneys. How are acids produced? - They are produced during metabolic processes. How do the kidneys function as a compensatory mechanism? - In alkalosis : they excrete HCO3 In acidosis : they excrete H+ in addition to increasing production and retention of HCO3 How do the lungs function as a compensatory mechanism? - By expiration, in which CO2 is eliminated from the body, thereby reducing the amount of acids. (note that the lungs cannot eliminate H+ ions) How does the brain respond to retained CO2 in the body? - The blood vessels dilate, resulting in confusion. How is additional expiration from the lungs initiated? What is the timeframe involved? - Through chemoreceptors in the brain. It occurs within 1-3 minutes of detected imbalance, and lasts 12-24 hours. If pH and PCO2 are going in opposite directions, what does this indicate? - A respiratory problem If pH and PHCO3 are going in the same direction, what does this indicate? - A metabolic problem Is metabolic acidosis or metabolic alkalosis seen more often in a clinical setting? - metabolic acidosis What are compensatory mechanisms? - Mechanisms that try to prevent large changes in pH and/or attempt to correct alterations in acid-base balance; compensatory mechanisms ALWAYS alter the pH towards a normal level. What are some causes of metabolic acidosis? - *renal failure (decreased production of HCO3 as well as decreased excretion of H+ ions) *severe diarrhea (increased loss of HCO3) *lactic acidosis (increased production of acids) *asprin toxicity (AKA : ASA Toxicity) *starvation *anaerobic metabolism secondary to hypoxia (remember cell injury leads to lactic acid production and accumulation) What are some causes of metabolic alkalosis? - *increased renal production of HCO3 *excess ingestion of alkali (antacids/baking soda) *GI suctioning/vomiting/bulimia/diuretic therapy (all involve a loss of acids What are some examples of buffers? - proteins, carbonic acid - bicarbonate, phosphate What are some manifestations of metabolic acidosis? - EXPECT HYPERKALEMIA abdominal pain cardiac dysrhythmias bone disease What are some manifestations of metabolic alkalosis? - EXPECT HYPOKALEMIA hyperactive reflexes/tetany hypotension cardiac dysrhythmias What are some manifestations of respiratory acidosis? - confusion (due to dilation of cerebral vessels) weakness tremors/paralysis stupor - coma warm/flushed skin What are some manifestations of respiratory alkalosis? - CONSTRICTION of cerebral vessels CARDIAC DYSRHYTHMIAS dizziness/light-headedness tetany