2026 ACTUAL EXAM
◉ Partial compensation. Answer: pH, CO2, and HCO3 are all off
◉ Full compensation. Answer: pH is normal
◉ Acidosis. Answer: reduces the excitability of cardiovascular
muscle, neurons, skeletal muscle, and smooth muscle.
◉ Alkalosis. Answer: increases the sensitivity of excitable tissues
allowing them to OVERRESPOND without stimulation
◉ ABG considerations. Answer: - Assess cardiovascular w/ acidosis
(cardiac arrest from hyperkalemia)
- Assess neuro status
- Fall precautions
◉ Bicarb HC03. Answer: kidney compensation (slow and powerful)
◉ Respiratory PaC02. Answer: Respiratory compensation (fast but
limited)
, ◉ Metabolic acidosis causes. Answer: DKA, Starvation, diarrhea,
kidney failure, dehydration, liver failure, pancreatitis, heavy exercise,
seizure activity, fever, hypoxia, ischemia, ethanol/methanol
intoxication
◉ Metabolic acidosis signs and symptoms. Answer: bradycardia,
hypotension, thready pulse, CNS depression, hyporeflexia, kussmal
resp (with resp compensation), warm, flushed, dry skin.
◉ Metabolic acidosis treatment. Answer: hydration and medication
to treat underlying problems (DKA - give insulin).
◉ Metabolic alkalosis causes. Answer: antacids, blood transfusion,
sodium bicarbonate, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), prolonged
vomiting, nasogastric suctioning, hypercortisolism,
hyperaldosteronism, Loop/Thiazide diuretics.
◉ Metabolic Alkalosis s/s. Answer: anxiety, irritability, tetany,
seizures, POSITIVE CHVOSTEK, POSITIVE TROUSSEAU, parathesis,
hyperreflexia, muscle cramping/twitching, skeletal muscle
weakness, Tachycardia, norm/low BP, increased Digoxin toxicity,
decreased respiratory effort (muscle weakness).