Scribd Logo
Upload

Welcome to Scribd!

  • 1 views

    Concise Acid Base Disorders Respiratory Conditions

    Uploaded by

    Ajeesh Nelson
    Nursing

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Concise Acid Base Disorders Respiratory Conditions

    Uploaded by

    Ajeesh Nelson
    1 views3 pages
    Nursing

    Copyright

    © © All Rights Reserved

    Available Formats

    DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd

    Did you find this document useful?

    Is this content inappropriate?

    Nursing

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    1 views3 pages

    Concise Acid Base Disorders Respiratory Conditions

    Uploaded by

    Ajeesh Nelson
    Nursing

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    of 3

    Concise Overview of Acid-Base

    Disorders and Respiratory Conditions


    6.2.4. Acid-Base Disorders
    Acid-base balance in the body is maintained by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in
    the blood, regulated by the pH level. Acidosis occurs when blood pH drops below 7.35, and
    alkalosis occurs when it rises above 7.45. Lungs and kidneys play a crucial role in
    maintaining this balance.
    Respiratory Acidosis
    Respiratory acidosis is a condition caused by the accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in
    the body due to inadequate ventilation, leading to a decrease in blood pH. It can be acute or
    chronic, depending on the onset and duration of the condition.

    Types:
    1) Acute: Rapid increase in CO₂ levels, leading to a medical emergency.

    2) Chronic: Develops over time, often asymptomatic, with the body compensating by
    increasing bicarbonate production.

    Causes:
    1) COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis

    2) Trauma to the chest

    3) Pulmonary conditions (e.g., pneumonia, pneumothorax, etc.)

    Symptoms:
    1) Acute: Rapid onset of symptoms such as confusion, elevated blood pressure, and mental
    cloudiness.

    2) Chronic: May show minimal symptoms due to compensatory mechanisms.

    Additional Points:
    1) Severe cases can lead to complications such as hyperkalemia, cerebral vasodilation, and
    intracranial pressure increase.

    2) Chronic cases, especially in COPD patients, may not show immediate signs of hypercapnia
    due to gradual accumulation of CO₂.

    Management:
    1) Improve ventilation through pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

    2) Use supplemental oxygen and mechanical ventilation as needed.

    3) Gradually reduce high PaCO₂ levels and manage hydration to maintain mucous
    membrane function.
    6.2.4.2. Respiratory Alkalosis
    Respiratory alkalosis is characterized by a decrease in PaCO₂ due to hyperventilation,
    leading to an increase in blood pH. The kidneys compensate by excreting more bicarbonate.

    You might also like