Respiratory Acidosis

Confirm the diagnosis of Respiratory Acidosis by symptoms:  decr. pH   incr. PaCO2 Retention of CO2 by lungs

•Hypoventilation  Hypoxia

•Rapid, shallow respirations

•decr. BP with vasodilation

•Dyspnea

•Headache

•Hyperkalemia

•Dysrhythmias (incr. K)

•Drowsiness, dizziness, disorientation

•Muscle weakness, hyperreflexia

•Causes: decr. Respiratory stimuli (anesthesia, drug overdose), COPD, pneumonia, atelectasis

Respiratory Alkalosis

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Confirm the diagnosis of Respiratory Alkalosis by symptoms: incr. pH decr.PaCO2  hyperventilation of lungs.

•Facial expressions and body movements display hyperventilation

•A panic attack may cause

•Dizziness or inability to speak

•Headache, chest pain

•Confusion

•Parasthesia or numbness in periphery

Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic Acidosis confirmed by symptoms: decr. pH decr. HCO3 decr.ability of kidney to excrete acid or conserve base.

•Headache

•Decreased BP

•Hyperkalemia

•Muscle twitching

•Warm, flushed skin (vasodilation)

•Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

•Changes in LOC (confusion,incr.drowsiness)

•Kussmaul respirations (compensatory hyperventilation)

•Causes: DKA, severe diarrhea, renal failure, shock

Metabolic Alkalosis

Metabolic Alkalosis confirmed by symptoms: decr. acid or incr. in base  incr. pH  incr. HCO3

•Restlessness followed by lethargy

•Dysrhythmias (tachycardia)

•Compensatory hypoventilation

•Confusion (decr.LOC, Dizzy, Irritable)

•Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

•Tremors, muscle cramps, tingling of fingers & toes

•Hypokalemia

•Causes: severe vomiting, excessive GI suctioning, diuretics, excessive NaHCO3