Treatment FAQ

nclex what to know about abg imbalance treatment

by Theodora Nikolaus Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Which acid-base imbalance should be suspected with these ABG results?

When the pH is abnormal and both the PaCO2 and HCO3 - are abnormal, then partial compensation is in process. Which acid-base imbalance should be suspected with these ABG results? Rationale: pH 7.47 (alkalosis), PaCO2 31 (alkalosis), HCO3- 24 (normal).

What nursing interventions should be done for patient with acid-base imbalance?

Encourage the anxious patient to verbalize fears. Administer sedation as ordered to relax the patient. Keep the patient warm and dry. Encourage the patient to take deep, slow breaths or breathe into a brown paper bag (inspire CO2).Jan 6, 2017

How do you solve ABG problems?

Steps in ABG analysis using the tic-tac-toe method
  1. Memorize the normal values. ...
  2. Create your tic-tac-toe grid. ...
  3. Determine if pH is under NORMAL, ACIDOSIS, or ALKALOSIS. ...
  4. Determine if PaCO2 is under NORMAL, ACIDOSIS, or ALKALOSIS. ...
  5. Determine if HCO3 is under NORMAL, ACIDOSIS, or ALKALOSIS.
Nov 5, 2020

What are the 3 ways to correct acid-base imbalances in the body?

Treatment is by correction of the cause of the acidosis (e.g., insulin administration in diabetic ketoacidosis) and neutralization of the acid with NaHCO3, sodium lactate, or TRIS [tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane] buffer.

How is acid-base imbalance treated?

Treating pH imbalance
  1. oral or intravenous sodium bicarbonate to raise blood pH.
  2. sodium citrate to treat metabolic acidosis due to distal renal tubular acidosis.
  3. insulin and intravenous fluids to treat ketoacidosis.
  4. renal replacement therapy (dialysis)

What is the treatment for alkalosis?

Treatment of Alkalosis

Metabolic alkalosis is usually treated by replacing water and electrolytes (sodium and potassium) while treating the cause. Rarely, when metabolic alkalosis is very severe, dilute acid is given intravenously. In respiratory alkalosis, the first step is to ensure that the person has enough oxygen.

What is the easiest way to interpret an ABG?

The first step in ABG interpretation is to look at the pH. Normal blood pH is 7.4, plus or minus 0.05, forming the range 7.35 to 7.45. If blood pH falls below 7.35 it is acidic. If blood pH rises above 7.45, it is alkalotic.
...
6 Easy Steps to ABG Interpretation.
pH7.35-7.45
pO280-100 mmHg
O2 Saturation95-100%
HCO3-22-26 mEq/L
Base Excess+ or – 2
1 more row
Nov 27, 2019

How do you analyze ABG results?

Rules for rapid clinical interpretation of ABG
  1. Look at pH - < 7.40 - Acidosis; > 7.40 - Alkalosis.
  2. If pH indicates acidosis, then look at paCO2and HCO3-
  3. If paCO2is ↑, then it is primary respiratory acidosis. ...
  4. If paCO2↓ and HCO3- is also ↓→ primary metabolic acidosis. ...
  5. If HCO3-is ↓, then AG should be examined.

How do you read ABG results?

The first value a nurse should look at is the pH to determine if the patient is in the normal range, above, or below. If a patient's pH > 7.45, the patient is in alkalosis. If the pH < 7.35, then the patient is acidosis. Remember, the lower the pH number, the higher the acid level in the body.Apr 9, 2022

What is the most common type of acid-base imbalance?

Metabolic acidosis is the most common disorder encountered in clinical practice.

What are the symptoms of too much acid in the body?

Some signs that you may have high stomach acid include:
  • abdominal discomfort, which may be worse on an empty stomach.
  • nausea or vomiting.
  • bloating.
  • heartburn.
  • diarrhea.
  • decreased appetite.
  • unexplained weight loss.

How does the body compensate for acid-base imbalances?

Compensation for acid-base disorders

Each acid-base disturbance provokes automatic compensatory mechanisms that push the blood pH back toward normal. In general, the respiratory system compensates for metabolic disturbances while metabolic mechanisms compensate for respiratory disturbances.

How does the body compensate for acidosis?

The body will compensate this by increasing the rate of expiration of carbon dioxide via the lungs to drive the pH of the blood up .

When a client presents with a pH that is out of the normal range, can you interpret the value as:

When a client presents with a pH that is out of the normal range you can interpret the value as either acidic or basic. Acidosis is observed when the pH is below the normal range < 7.35 where alkalosis or (basic blood gas) is measured as > 7.45.

What is the name of the disease that causes the body to increase the pH of blood?

Anti-seizure – topiramate. Diabetic or alcoholic acidosis. Gas or heavy metal poisoning. Respiratory acidosis involves the failure of the lungs to expire carbon dioxide from the body – therefore increasing the acidity of the blood (reducing the pH).

Why are blood gases important?

Blood gas abnormalities can often be caused by a variety of conditions that can often be life-threatening for the client . For this reason, it is imperative to not only know how to recognize clients with ABG values that are out of the ordinary – but to also screen for the cause in order to resolve the issue and improve your client’s outcomes. Hopefully this ABG NCLEX® Review will serve as a good overview of the subject matter to aid in your understanding of the topic and to serve you in your future practice.

Does bicarbonate cause alkalosis?

You may recall from basic chemistry that bicarbonate (HCO3) is a basic chemical compound that serves the purpose of raising pH (decreasing acidity). Therefore, elevated bicarbonate readings (> 27 mEq/L) will result in an increase in pH causing alkalosis. In this case, you can interpret these values as metabolic alkalosis as it has nothing to do with the expiration or inhalation of CO2. Clients who have values < 22 mmHg may have metabolic acidosis as the concentration of bicarbonate in the blood is low, therefore lowering the blood pH and causing acidosis.

Does alkalosis increase bicarbonate levels?

Clients that present with primary metabolic alkalosis may have increased levels of bicarbonate in the body. The body will compensate for this by reducing the ventilation of carbon dioxide, thus retaining more pCO2 in the blood causing compensation of the pH abnormality.

What is the meaning of "free of symptoms of imbalance"?

Be free of symptoms of imbalance, e.g., absence of neurological impairment; vital signs WNL.

What is metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic Alkalosis is an acid-base imbalance characterized by excessive loss of acid or excessive gain of bicarbonate.

When the PCO2 and HCO3 are abnormal in opposite directions, ie, one above normal while the

Whenever the PCO2 and HCO3 are abnormal in opposite directions, ie, one above normal while the other is reduced, a mixed respiratory and metabolic acid-base disorder exists. When the PCO2 is elevated and the [HCO3-] reduced, respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis coexist. Question 19.

What is abnormal bicarbonate loss?

abnormal bicarbonate losses, which can occur in loss of fluid from the lower GI tract from surgery, drains or severe diarrhea

Does antacid use cause imbalances?

Occasional antacid use will not cause imbalances, although antacid abuse is a risk factor for metabolic alkalosis. Question 8. Three-year-old Adrian is admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of asthma and respiratory distress syndrome.

Can vomiting cause metabolic alkalosis?

Prolonged nausea and vomiting can result in acid deficit that can lead to metabolic alkalosis. The other findings are important and need to be assessed but are not related to acid-base imbalances. Question 18. A young woman is found comatose, having taken an unknown number of sleeping pills an unknown time before.

What is the function of the kidneys and lungs in acid-base imbalance?

When acid-base imbalances occur, the body activates its compensatory mechanisms (the lungs and kidneys) to help normalize the blood pH. The kidneys compensate for respiratory acid-base imbalances while the respiratory system compensates for metabolic acid-base imbalances.

What is the name of the imbalance of acid and base?

Acid-base imbalances develop when a person’s normal homeostatic mechanisms are dysfunctional or overwhelmed. One type of acid-base imbalance is acidosis wherein the blood is relatively too acidic (low pH). The body produces two types of acid, therefore, there are two types of acidosis: respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis. On the contrary, alkalosis is a condition wherein the blood is relatively too basic (high pH), there are also two types of alkalosis: respiratory alkalosis and metabolic alkalosis.

What is metabolic alkalosis?

Metabolic alkalosis occurs when bicarbonate ion concentration increases, causing an elevation in blood pH. This can occur in excessive vomiting, dehydration, or endocrine disorders.

What is arterial blood gas?

An arterial blood gas is a laboratory test to monitor the patient’s acid-base balance. It is used to determine the extent of the compensation by the buffer system and includes the measurements of the acidity (pH), levels of oxygen, and carbon dioxide in arterial blood. Unlike other blood samples obtained through a vein, ...

How many components are in an arterial blood gas?

There are six components of arterial blood gas (ABGs):

What is ABG in medical terms?

Arterial blood gas (ABG) measurement will give the information needed to determine if the primary disturbance of acid-base balance is respiratory or metabolic in nature.

Does homeostasis have anything to do with metabolic balance?

Homeostasis has nothing to do with metabolic balance.

What is an ABG test?

What is an Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)? An ABG is a blood test that measures the acidity, or pH, and the levels of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from an artery.² The test is used to check the function of the patient’s lungs and how well they are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide. ...

Where is ABG performed?

An ABG is a blood test commonly performed in the ICU and ER setting; however, ABGs can be drawn on any patient on any floor depending on their diagnosis.

Why do nurses draw arterial samples?

The main issue is if the patient does not have a functioning arterial line , a frontline clinician has to draw the arterial sample. Some hospitals allow specially trained nurses or phlebotomists to perform this skill but only after an intense training program. If a provider is not available to perform the arterial stick, treatment could be delayed.

What is the blood test for oxygen?

An arterial blood gases (A BG) test is a blood test that measures the acidity, or pH, and the levels of oxygen (O2) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from an artery. The test is used to check the function of the patient’s lungs and how well they are able to move oxygen into the blood and remove carbon dioxide.

Where to draw blood for arterial gas?

Blood can be drawn via an arterial stick from the wrist, groin, or above the elbow. The radial artery on the wrist is most commonly used to obtain the sample. However, the femoral artery and brachial artery can be used if necessary.

Can a nurse understand HCO3?

In combination with the HCO3, the nurse will be able to fully comprehend the blood gas. Below is a chart that contains the different values and determining if the cause is respiratory or metabolic-driven, and if, to what degree, the patient is compensating for the pH.

Do ICUs have arterial lines?

Most ICUs have one on the unit for a quick turnaround. While arterial samples are the best for diagnostic reasons, they do provide some challenges for nurses and providers. The main issue is if the patient does not have a functioning arterial line, a frontline clinician has to draw the arterial sample.

What happens to the SAC elasticity of the alveolar sac?

S ac elasticity of alveolar sac are damaged and this restricts air flow in and out of the lungs and this increases carbon dioxide (Emphysema & COPD)

Does P neumonia affect gas exchange?

P neumonia…excessive mucous production affect gas exchange…the alveoli are majorly affected because they are filled with pus and fluid

How do nurses evaluate the client's responses to interventions that were used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances

Nurses evaluate the client's responses to interventions that were used to correct fluid and electrolyte imbalances by comparing the client's baseline data, including diagnostic laboratory data and the client's signs and symptoms, to the outcome data after treatments and interventions. For example, pretreatment and post treatment laboratory potassium levels or magnesium levels are compared to determine whether or not the client's electrolyte level is again normal and/or improving towards the achievement of the client's expected outcomes.

What is electrolyte imbalance?

Evaluate the client's response to interventions to correct fluid or electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are ions that can have either a negative or positive charge. Electrolytes and the levels of electrolytes play roles that are essential to life. For example, these electrically charged ions contract muscles, move fluids about within the body, ...

How to treat life threatening hyperkalemia?

Life threatening hyperkalemia is treated with renal dialysis and potassium lowering medications. Lower less threatening levels of hyperkalemia can sometimes be treated with the restriction of dietary potassium containing foods.

What is the treatment for hypernatremia?

The treatment of hypernatremia, like other electrolyte disorders includes the correction and management of any underlying causes and dietary sodium restrictions . It must be noted, however, that a rapid reduction of sodium in the body can lead to the rapid flow of water which can result in cerebral edema, permanent brain damage which is often referred to as central pontinemyolysis, and even death.

What is metabolic acidosis?

Metabolic Acidosis (uncompensated, partially compensated, or fully compensated) Metabolic Alkalosis (uncompensated, partially compensated, or fully compensated) When you are analyzing ABG results there are three things to look for when trying to find out if your patient is in respiratory or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis.

Why is HCO3 placed under the base column?

Since HCO3 is greater than 26 making it basic, place it under the base column because the value is considered basic. Your tic tac toe lay out should look like this: Now that you have your tic tac toe grid set up. You need to figured out what you have.

What is the Rome method?

There is also another method called the ROME method that you can use to solve ABG problems. After you read and watch the video on using the Tic Tac Toe Method, don’t forget to that the ABG’s practice quiz to test your knowledge. In addition, you may be interested in: Dosage & Calculation Problems in Nursing School.

What would happen if the pH was not normal?

On the flip side, if the pH was not normal but the HCO3 was normal, it would be uncompensated. Our answer is: metabolic acidosis, fully compensated by the means of respiratory alkalosis.

Is blood pH acidic or alkaline?

The blood pH is normal, but it falls on the acidotic side. Our metabolic system is also acidotic but our respiratory system is alkalotic. The problem is with the metabolic system and the respiratory system is trying to balance out the blood’s acidotic state by decreasing the carbon dioxide level (PaCO2) to make things more alkaline, which will help increase the blood’s pH from it’s acidotic state….which is has and this is why we have full compensation rather than partial. Note: If the pH was not normal and the HCO3 was still acidotic, it would be partial compensation. On the flip side, if the pH was not normal but the HCO3 was normal, it would be uncompensated.

Is HCO3 metabolic or respiratory?

Since your pH is basic you know you have some alkalosis going on. But is it respiratory or metabolic? Since the HCO3 (which represents metabolic) is under you basic column with pH it is a metabolic issue. So your patient is in: Metabolic Alkalosis.

What is the normal pH of blood?

A normal blood pH is 7.35-7.45. The absolute normal is 7.40. Any normal blood pH that falls between 7.35-7.40 is NORMAL but on the “acidotic” side and any normal blood pH that falls between 7.40-7.45 is on the “alkalotic” side. This is illustrated below:

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