MS1 - ABG's AND DIABETES EXAM QUESTIONS
AND ANSWERS
What is the normal range for blood pH?
7.35-7.45
Acids _____ hydrogen ions, bases ______ hydrogen ions
release, accept
What is the pH range people can survive?
7 - 7.8. Above or below this is fatal
What is a normal range for PACO₂?
more basic 35 <------> 45 more acidic
What is a normal range for HCO₃?
more acidic 21 <-----> 28 more basic
What are some causes of respiratory acidosis?
Low and slow breathing (ineffective gas exchange) - anything that causes the
body to retain PCO2: opiates, sleep apnea, COPD, asthma attack, alcohol
intoxication, brain stem injury, pneumonia, bronchitis
What are some causes of respiratory alkalosis?
Rapid breathing - anything that blows off TOO MUCH CO2: hyperventilation
caused by panic (fear, anxiety), pain, stress, high altitude, pregnancy, fever,
some drugs and medications
What are some causes of metabolic acidosis?
Diarrhea (the intestines are alkalotic, so losing bicarbonate through diarrhea can
cause acidosis), kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis
What are some causes of metabolic alkalosis?
Vomiting, NG tube suction pulling acid out of stomach, steroid use, thiazide
diuretic use
, What happens to potassium and calcium levels in acidosis
They go up
What are some S/S of respiratory acidosis?
Shallow breathing, low BP, cyanosis, headache, hyperkalemia, dysrhthmia,
drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness
What are some nursing diagnoses related to respiratory acidosis?
Impaired gas exchange
Risk for injury (related to confusion, dizziness)
Ineffective breathing pattern
Ineffective tissue perfusion
What are some S/S of metabolic alkalosis
Dysrrhythmias (due to hypokalemia), weakness, muscle cramping, hyperactive
reflexes, tetany, convulsions, confusion
What are some S/S of metabolic acidosis?
Headache, low BP, hyperkalemia, muscle twitching, warm, flushed skin,
nausea, vomiting, Kussmaul respirations
How is blood for an ABG test drawn?
A respiratory therapist (usually) draws the blood from an artery (radial or
femoral) or an RN can draw it from an arterial line. A special heparinized
syringe is used.
What is the "Allen Test"?
A test used to assess the arterial blood supply of the hand, used whenever a
nurse or respiratory therapist is planning to draw blood from the radial or ulnar
artery.
What is the main buffer in the body?
AND ANSWERS
What is the normal range for blood pH?
7.35-7.45
Acids _____ hydrogen ions, bases ______ hydrogen ions
release, accept
What is the pH range people can survive?
7 - 7.8. Above or below this is fatal
What is a normal range for PACO₂?
more basic 35 <------> 45 more acidic
What is a normal range for HCO₃?
more acidic 21 <-----> 28 more basic
What are some causes of respiratory acidosis?
Low and slow breathing (ineffective gas exchange) - anything that causes the
body to retain PCO2: opiates, sleep apnea, COPD, asthma attack, alcohol
intoxication, brain stem injury, pneumonia, bronchitis
What are some causes of respiratory alkalosis?
Rapid breathing - anything that blows off TOO MUCH CO2: hyperventilation
caused by panic (fear, anxiety), pain, stress, high altitude, pregnancy, fever,
some drugs and medications
What are some causes of metabolic acidosis?
Diarrhea (the intestines are alkalotic, so losing bicarbonate through diarrhea can
cause acidosis), kidney failure, diabetic ketoacidosis
What are some causes of metabolic alkalosis?
Vomiting, NG tube suction pulling acid out of stomach, steroid use, thiazide
diuretic use
, What happens to potassium and calcium levels in acidosis
They go up
What are some S/S of respiratory acidosis?
Shallow breathing, low BP, cyanosis, headache, hyperkalemia, dysrhthmia,
drowsiness, dizziness, muscle weakness
What are some nursing diagnoses related to respiratory acidosis?
Impaired gas exchange
Risk for injury (related to confusion, dizziness)
Ineffective breathing pattern
Ineffective tissue perfusion
What are some S/S of metabolic alkalosis
Dysrrhythmias (due to hypokalemia), weakness, muscle cramping, hyperactive
reflexes, tetany, convulsions, confusion
What are some S/S of metabolic acidosis?
Headache, low BP, hyperkalemia, muscle twitching, warm, flushed skin,
nausea, vomiting, Kussmaul respirations
How is blood for an ABG test drawn?
A respiratory therapist (usually) draws the blood from an artery (radial or
femoral) or an RN can draw it from an arterial line. A special heparinized
syringe is used.
What is the "Allen Test"?
A test used to assess the arterial blood supply of the hand, used whenever a
nurse or respiratory therapist is planning to draw blood from the radial or ulnar
artery.
What is the main buffer in the body?
