ABGs

• Metabolic Acidosis:

  • Dx: DKA, shock, renal failure, diarrhea, starvation, kidney disease, ketoacidosis
  • S/S: weakness, fatigue, headache, dysrhythmias, Kussmaul's respirations, SOB
  • Tx: Bicarbonate, fluids; DKA: IV insulin, normal saline, K+ & D50
• Metabolic Alkalosis:

  • Dx: vomiting, hypokalemia, suctioning, TPN food, Tums
  • S/S: dizziness, decreased respirations, numbness in toes and fingers
  • Tx: Fluid and electrolyte repletion, decrease N/V
• Respiratory acidosis:

  • Dx: Respiratory failure, COPD, hypoventilation, PNA, sedatives, coma, thoracic injury
  • S/S: anxiety, confusion, headache, restless, blurry vision
  • Tx: Bronchodilators, antibiotics, fluids, ventilation
• Respiratory alkalosis:

  • Dx: Hyperventilation, increased altitude, PNA, anxiety attack, PTX, blood transfusion, Fever, pain, and some CNS disorders can increase resprirations
  • S/S: dizziness, dry mouth, numbness/tingling in fingers and toes
  • Tx: reventilate (paper bag), oxygen, antianxiety/sedative meds
• ROME

  • R= Respiratory
  • O= Opposite
  • M= Metabolic
  • E= Equal
• Compensation:

  • Fully compensated when the pH is normal
  • Uncompensated when pH is abnormal