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Saunders Comprehensive Review For The NCLEX-RN Examination, 7 Ed.
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9 - Acid-Base Balance

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Saunders Comprehensive Review For The NCLEX-RN Examination, 7 Ed. | Registered Nurse (RN) School Study Aid

9 - Acid-Base Balance
19 Picmonics to Learn | 32 mins
Whole Blood Composition
Characteristics
Plasma
Electrolytes And Other Solutes
Proteins
Albumin
Fibrinogen
Globulins
Water
Formed Elements
Buffy Coat
White Blood Cells (WBC)
Platelets
Red Blood Cells (RBC)
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2 mins
Respiratory Anatomy
Characteristics
Nasal Cavity
Hair Filters
Mucus Filters and Moistens
Capillaries Warm
Pharynx (Throat)
Larynx (Voice Box)
Cilia Expel Mucus and Dust
Trachea
Bronchi
Alveoli
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2 mins
Potassium (K+) Lab Value
3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L
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20 secs
Sodium (Na+) Lab Value
135-145 mEq/L
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24 secs
Calcium (Ca2+) Lab Value
8.5 to 10.5 mg/dL
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26 secs
Respiratory Acidosis Assessment
Assessment
Decreased pH < 7.35
Increased PaCO2 > 45
Reduced Respirations
Anxiety
Change in LOC
Tachycardia
Cyanosis
Increased Electrolytes
ECG Changes
Muscle Weakness
Hyporeflexia
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2 mins
Respiratory Acidosis Interventions
Improve Respiration
Pharmacologic Interventions
Bronchodilators
Respiratory Stimulants
Drug Antagonists
Nonpharmacologic Interventions
Oxygen
Assisted Ventilation
Prevent Complications
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1 min
Respiratory Alkalosis Assessment
Assessment
Increased pH > 7.45
Decreased PaCO2 < 35 mmHg
Hyperventilation
Brainstem Stimulation
Head Injury
Shock
Lightheadedness
Tingling Lips or Fingers
Trousseau's
Chvostek's Sign
Anxiety
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2 mins
Respiratory Alkalosis Interventions
Treat Underlying Cause
Mechanically Ventilated Patients
Decrease Tidal Volume and/or Respiratory Rate
Give Adequate Pain Control and Sedation
Hyperventilation Syndrome
Sedatives
Antidepressants
Considerations
Compensatory Drop in Serum Bicarbonate
Calming Breathing Exercises
Correct CO2 Slowly
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2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Assessment
Characteristics
Decreased pH < 7.35
Decreased HCO3 < 22
Signs & Symptoms
Abdominal Pain
CNS Depression
Coma
Hypotension
Arrhythmias
Increased Respirations
Kussmaul Respirations
Flushed, Warm, Dry Skin
Muscle Weakness
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2 mins
Metabolic Acidosis Interventions
Interventions
Raise Plasma pH > 7.20
Treat Underlying Cause
Sodium Bicarbonate
Considerations
Follow ABGs
Continuously Monitor Patient
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2 mins
Metabolic Alkalosis Assessment
Signs and Symptoms
Increased pH > 7.45
Increased HCO3 > 26
Excitable State
Arrhythmias
Paresthesias
Muscle Cramps
Muscle Weakness
Decreased Respiratory Effort
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1 min
Metabolic Alkalosis Interventions
Interventions
Treat Underlying Cause
Stop Potassium (K+) Wasting Diuretics
Spironolactone
Acetazolamide
IV Fluids
Sodium Chloride
Replace Potassium (K+)
Considerations
Monitor Respiratory Rate
Monitor Heart Rate
Seizure Precautions
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2 mins
Diabetes Assessment
Assessment Type 1
Juvenile Onset
Absent Insulin Production
Ketosis Prone
Assessment Type 2
Adult Onset
Insulin Resistance
Obesity
Gestational Diabetes
Onset During Pregnancy
Glucose Intolerance
Complications
Retinopathy
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Nephropathy
Neuropathy
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2 mins
Diabetes Interventions
Early Diagnosis
Insulin
Oral Hypoglycemics
Glucose Monitoring
Routine Exercise
Diabetic Diet
Monitor for Complications
Insulin Therapy
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
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2 mins
Dialysis
Hemodialysis
Rapid Shifts of Fluid and Electrolytes
Disequilibrium Syndrome
Hypotension
NO BP IN ARM with Shunt or Fistula
Assess for Thrill and Bruit
Peritoneal Dialysis
Slow Process
Peritonitis
Loss of Protein
Hyperglycemia
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3 mins
Chronic Kidney Disease Interventions
Interventions
Daily Weights
Strict I/O
Renal Diet
Strict Medication Regimen
Erythropoietin
Manage Hyperkalemia
Manage CKD-MBD
Dialysis
Kidney Transplant
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2 mins
Blood Acid-Base Control
Characteristics
In a State of Acidemia
Medullary Chemoreceptors Control Ventilation Rate
Expulsion of CO2 through Lungs Increases pH
Bicarbonate Reabsorption from the Kidney Increases pH
Kidney Excretion of H+ Increases pH
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2 mins
How to Interpret Acid Base Disorders
pH, pCO₂, HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
Step 1
pH
Acidosis
Alkalosis
Step 2
pCO₂
Opposite Direction as pH
Respiratory Acidosis
Respiratory Alkalosis
Step 3
HCO₃ (Bicarbonate)
Same Direction as pH
Metabolic Acidosis
Metabolic Alkalosis
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3 mins

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