Master Respiratory Acidosis Assessment with Picmonic for Nursing RN

The retention of CO2 due to a change in respiratory function changes creates an acidic environment in the bloodstream. This manifests as decreased blood pH and increased CO2.

The retention of CO2 due to a change in respiratory function changes creates an acidic environment in the bloodstream. This manifests as decreased blood pH and increased CO2.

Assess the patient’s rate and depth of breathing as well as effort. Respiratory acidosis is usually manifested by a failure to “blow off” CO2.

Patients can display a state of panic or uneasiness. You should avoid administering tranquilizers, sedation, or opioids as these may suppress respirations further.

Patients may appear confused or lethargic due to the buildup of carbonic acid in the bloodstream. This, along with a buildup of CO2, may lead patients to become unresponsive and go into a coma.

Patients may display stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system, resulting in an increase in heart rate.

Cyanosis is defined as ineffective gas exchange due to decreased respirations, which causes a decrease in oxygen delivery to the tissues, leading the patient to appear "cyanotic".

Respiratory acidosis may cause an increase in electrolytes Ca, K, Cl, Na.

Worsening acute acidosis may lead to hyperkalemia and manifest as problems with electrical conduction, such as tall peaked T waves, prolonged PR interval, bradycardia or even heart block. Chronic respiratory acidosis typically has normal to low potassium levels due to compensatory renal mechanisms.

In a depressed respiratory state, oxygen is not properly delivered to the tissues. Additionally high levels of potassium building up in the body can cause poor muscle tone.

Condition of reduced or absent reflexes in response to a stimulus. May be a result of increasing levels of potassium building up in the acidotic patient.