ACID BALANCES

50 vocabulary flashcards covering arterial blood gas interpretation, normal values, causes, symptoms, and treatments for acid-base imbalances as presented in the ATI-style study guide.

Normal pH range

$$7.35-7.45$$

Normal $PaCO_2$ range

$$35-45\,mmHg$$

Normal $HCO_3^-$ range

$$22-26\,mEq/L$$

Normal $PaO_2$ range

$$80-100\,mmHg$$

Normal $O_2$ Saturation

$$95-100\%$$

Acidosis (pH value)

$$pH < 7.35$$

Alkalosis (pH value)

$$pH > 7.45$$

Respiratory Acidosis ($PaCO_2$ profile)

High $PaCO_2 (>45)$ causes acidosis.

Respiratory Alkalosis ($PaCO_2$ profile)

Low $PaCO_2 (<35)$ causes alkalosis.

Metabolic Acidosis ($HCO_3^-$ profile)

Low $HCO_3^- (<22)$ causes acidosis.

Metabolic Alkalosis ($HCO_3^-$ profile)

High $HCO_3^- (>26)$ causes alkalosis.

Respiratory Acidosis ABG indicators

$pH \downarrow$, $PaCO_2 \uparrow$, and $HCO_3^-$ normal (or $HCO_3^- \uparrow$ with compensation).

Respiratory Acidosis causes

COPD, respiratory depression, airway obstruction, and pneumonia.

Respiratory Acidosis neurological symptoms

Headache, confusion, and drowsiness.

Respiratory Acidosis respiratory symptom

Hypoventilation.

Respiratory Acidosis treatments

Improve ventilation, oxygen as prescribed, and bronchodilators.

Respiratory Alkalosis ABG indicators

$pH \uparrow$ and $PaCO_2 \downarrow$.

Respiratory Alkalosis causes

Hyperventilation, anxiety, pain, and fever.

Respiratory Alkalosis symptoms

Dizziness, tingling, and tachycardia.

Respiratory Alkalosis treatment

Slow breathing and treat the underlying cause.

Metabolic Acidosis ABG indicators

$pH \downarrow$ and $HCO_3^- \downarrow$.

Metabolic Acidosis causes

DKA, kidney failure, diarrhea, and shock.

Metabolic Acidosis characteristic symptom

Kussmaul respirations.

Metabolic Acidosis general symptoms

Weakness and confusion.

Metabolic Acidosis treatments

Correct the cause, IV fluids, insulin for DKA, and bicarbonate if ordered.

Metabolic Alkalosis ABG indicators

$pH \uparrow$ and $HCO_3^- \uparrow$.

Metabolic Alkalosis causes

Vomiting, NG suctioning, antacid overuse, and diuretics.

Metabolic Alkalosis musculoskeletal symptoms

Muscle cramps and weakness.

Metabolic Alkalosis cardiac symptom

Dysrhythmias.

Metabolic Alkalosis treatment

Replace fluids and electrolytes and treat the cause.

$CO_2$ (Chemical nature)

Acts like an acid.

$HCO_3^-$ (Chemical nature)

Acts like a base.

Respiratory component organ

Lungs ($PaCO_2$).

Metabolic component organ

Kidneys ($HCO_3^-$).

ROME (Mnemonic)

Respiratory Opposite, Metabolic Equal.

Practice Interpretation 1 ($pH\,7.30$, $PaCO_2\,50$, $HCO_3^-\,24$)

Respiratory Acidosis.

Practice Interpretation 2 ($pH\,7.50$, $PaCO_2\,30$, $HCO_3^-\,24$)

Respiratory Alkalosis.

Practice Interpretation 3 ($pH\,7.25$, $PaCO_2\,40$, $HCO_3^-\,18$)

Metabolic Acidosis.

Practice Interpretation 4 ($pH\,7.48$, $PaCO_2\,40$, $HCO_3^-\,30$)

Metabolic Alkalosis.

DKA (Acid-Base context)

Diabetic Ketoacidosis, a cause of Metabolic Acidosis requiring insulin.

NG suctioning (Acid-Base effect)

A clinical cause of Metabolic Alkalosis.

Bronchodilators (Usage)

Used as a treatment for Respiratory Acidosis.

Antacid overuse (Acid-Base effect)

A cause of Metabolic Alkalosis.

Diarrhea (Acid-Base effect)

A cause of Metabolic Acidosis.

Tachycardia (Acid-Base symptom)

A symptom specifically associated with Respiratory Alkalosis.

Kussmaul respirations (Acid-Base specific)

Deep, rapid breathing occurring in Metabolic Acidosis.

Kidney failure (Acid-Base effect)

A common cause of Metabolic Acidosis.

Pneumonia (Acid-Base effect)

A cause of Respiratory Acidosis.

Fever (Acid-Base effect)

A potential cause of Respiratory Alkalosis.

ROME: 'Respiratory Opposite' meaning

In respiratory conditions, pH and $PaCO_2$ move in opposite directions.