Respiratory Acidosis

Cause: Increased CO2 level due to:

1. Decreased respiratory function
2. Obstructive airway disease
3. Decreased function of respiratory muscle
4. Loss of functioning pulmonary tissue
Physical Response:
1. CNS Depression
2. Peripheral vasodilatation
3. Varied respiratory characteristics and rates
4. Cyanosis
Treatment:
1. Improving ventilations
2. Administration of Sodium Bicarbonate
Respiratory Alkalosis
Cause: Excess removal of CO2 from the body due to:
1. Lack of O2 4. Voluntary respiratory
2. Excessive stimulation actions
of the respiratory 5. Slicylate overdose
system 6. Over ventilation with
3. Hypermetabolism mechanical device
Physical Response:
1. CNS Excitation 5. Paresthesia in the
2. Peripheral extremities
vasoconstriction 6. Diaphoresis
3. Tonic spasm 7. Convulsions
4. Paralysis of respiratory 8. Hyperexcitability
muscles 9. Arrhythmias

Treatment:
1. Correction of underlying problem
2. CO2 treatment in severe cases
3. Ca and K administration
Metabolic Acidosis
Cause: Excess acid in the body fluids from sources other than
carbonic acid due to:
1. Formation or retention of metabolic acid in the body
(e.g. Diabetic acidosis, uremic acidosis)
2. IV administration of acids
3. Addition of acid via GI tract (e.g. Salicylate poisoning)
4. Loss of alkaline substances via tract (e.g. Severe
diarrhea)
Physical Response:
1. CNS depression
2. Weakness
3. Arrhythmias
4. Marked abdominal discomfort
Treatment:
1. Correcting the underlying problem
 2. Administration of Sodium Bicarbonate

Metabolic Alkalosis
Cause: Loss of acid or over saturation of base due to:
1. Use of diuretics
2. Ingestion of antacids
Physical Response:
1. CNS excitation
2. Confusion
3. Hyperexcitability
4. Paresthesia
Treatment:
1. Correcting the underlying cause
2. Administering acid foods
3. Ammonium Chloride when renal or liver impairments do
not exist
Metabolic Acidosis