Professional Documents
Culture Documents
2. ABG interpretation( do the practice questions that teacher gave& p324 & hesi 43,44)
An acid-base balance must be maintained in the body because alterations can result in alkalosis or
acidosis.
Maintain the acid –base balance involves 3 systems
Chemical buffer
o The chemical buffer act immediately to prevent major change in the body fluid pH by
removing or releasing hydrogen ions.
The main chemical buffer is the Bicarbonate-Carbonic acid (HCO3-
H2CO30system.
Normally there are 20parts of bicarbonate to 1 part of carbonic acid. If the
20:1 ratio is altered, the pH is changed( ratio is important not absolute
values)
Carbonic acid (H2CO3) is form when carbon dioxide (CO2) combines
with water (H2O).
Excess CO2 in the body alters the ratio and creates an imbalance. Other
buffer system involve:
o Monohydrogen-dihydrogen phosphate
o Intracellular and plasma protein
o Hemoglobin
Respiratory system (lungs)
o The respiratory system responds in minutes and reaches maximum effectiveness in hours
Control CO2 content through respirations (carbonic acid content)
Control, to a small extent, water balance (CO2+H2O=H2CO3)
Release excess CO2 by increasing respiratory rate.
Retain CO2 by decreasing respiratory rate.
The rate of the CO2 is control by the respiratory center in the medulla in the brainstem.
If the respiratory problem is the cause of an acid –base imbalance (e.g., respiratory failure), the
respiratory system loses its ability to correct a pH alteration.
Renal system (kidney)
o The renal response takes 2 to 3 days to respond maximally, but the kidneys can maintain
balance indefinitely in chronic imbalance.
Regulate bicarbonate levels by retaining and reabsorbing bicarbonate as needed.
a very slow compensatory mechanism ( can require hour or days).
Cannot help with compensation when metabolic acidosis is created by renal
failure
If the renal system is the cause of and acid-base imbalance (e.g., renal failure), it loses its ability
to correct a pH alteration.
Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) values provide valuable information about a patient’s acid-base status, the
underlying cause of the imbalance, the body’s ability to regulate pH, and the patient’s overall oxygen
status. (p. 324, shows the steps on how to diagnose acid disturbances and identification of compensatory
processes).
Page44 hesi
Acid-base condition pH Pco2 HCO3
(mm Hg) (mEq/L)
Normal 7.34-7.45 35-45 22-26
Respiratory ↓ ↑ Normal
Acidosis
Respiratory ↑ ↓ Normal
Alkalosis
Metabolic ↓ Normal ↓
Acidosis
Metabolic ↑ Normal ↑
Alkalosis
Respiratory
Opposite
Metabolic
Equal
A. pH 7.50, pco2 30,HC03 26
B. PH 7.30, Pco2 42,HC03 20
C. pH 7.48, Pco2 42, HCO3 32
D. pH 7.29, Pco2, 55, HCO3 26 (Refer to Hesi page 46 for Answers)
3. Fluid volume deficit- assessment findings- which is most important?(p. 309 & hesi p.39)
Fluid deficit occurs when the body loses water and electrolytes isotonically, that is in the same
proportion as exists in the normal body fluid
Causes:
Vomiting
Diarrhea
GI suctioning
Sweating
Inadequate fluid intake
Massive Edema, as in initial stage of major burns
Ascites
Elderly forgetting to drink
Diabetic insipidus
Assessment findings:
Weight loss (1 pint of fluid loss=1pound of weight loss)
Decreased skin turgor
Oliguria (concentrated Urine)
Dry and sticky mucous membranes
Postural hypotension or weak, rapid pulse
Labs findings:
Elevated BUN and creatinine
Increased serum osmolarity
Elevated hemoglobin and hematocrit
Treatment
Strict I&O
Replacement of fluids isotonically, preferably orally
Page 309 for mor info
6. Hyponatremia- signs and symptoms, most important assessment findings and monitoring, care of
patient (p. 313hesi p.40)
The normal sodium is 135-145
Sodium is the main cation of the ECF
Play a major role in maintaining the concentration and volume of the ECF.
o Therefore, sodium is the primary determinant of ECF osmolality. Sodium affects the
water distribution between ECF and ICF.
Sodium is also important in the generation and transmission of nerve impulse and the regulation
of acid-base balance.
The GI tract absorbs sodium from food.
Sodium leaves the body through urine, sweat, and feces.
The Kidneys are the primary regulator of sodium balance.
o The kidney regulates the ECF concentration of sodium by excreting or retaining water
under the influence of ADH.
Aldosterone also plays a big role in sodium regulation by promoting sodium reabsorption from
the renal tubules.
o Aldosterone (p.1206): is a potent mineralocorticoid that maintains extracellular fluid
volume. It acts at the renal tubules to promote renal reabsorption of sodium (Na+) and
excretion of potassium (K+) and hydrogen ions (H+).
Changes in the serum of sodium level may reflect a primary water imbalance, a primary sodium
imbalance, or a combination of the two. Sodium imbalances are typically associated with
imbalances in ECF volume.
Hyponatremia
Patho:
Causes:
o may result from loss of sodium-containing fluids
o from water excess(dilutional hyponatremia)
o or combination of both
Nursing implementation or treatment:
o Restrict fluid
o Hypertonic saline solution(3%NaC) can be given to restore the serum sodium level( if
severe symptoms like seizures develop)
o
Hesi p. 40
Solutions containing 10% dextrose or less may be administered through the peripheral IV line. Solution
with concentrations greater than 10% must be administered through a central line so that there is
adequate dilution to prevent shrinkage of RBCs
Normal Blood sugar=70-110mg/dl
Hypoglycemia(low blood sugar)
11. Electrolyte laboratory normal and abnormal values- interpretation(p.309, hesi p.39)
12. NGT- low suction. Patient NPO- priority assessment to report to HCP
15. Post thyroidectomy- plan of care, signs and symptoms to watch for.(p.318)(1268,9)
Respiratory
18. Asthma- asthma guidelines, nursing interventions, signs and symptoms, patient med teachings
Pg.588-608, Nclex pg. 69&169
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways. The airways become edematous, the airways
become congested with mucous, the smooth muscles of the bronchioles constrict, and air trapping occurs
in the alveoli.
Nursing interventions:
Monitor carefully for increasing respiratory distress
Administer rapid-acting bronchodilators and steroids for acute attacks.
Maintain hydration (oral fluids or IV)and humidification
Monitor blood gas values for signs of respiratory acidosis
Administer oxygen nebulizer therapy as prescribed. Monitor pulse oximetry
Extra Info:
*Risk Factors include:
Male gender in children (not in adults)
Obesity, genetics, environment
People with asthma have what’s called the asthma triad, which you’ll most likely see nasal polyps, asthma, and
sensitivity to aspirin and NSAIDS (wheezing will develop in any of these triads)
- GERD can trigger asthma because reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus can be aspirated into the
lungs, causing reflux vagal stimulation and broncho-constriction. (diagnose and manage asthma using a
spirometer)
19. TB- precautions and care of patient
35. Pleuritic chest pain- management, signs and symptoms, priority of care(p.576)
36. TB- multidrug therapy- what assessment findings to report to HCP, effectiveness of treatment
37. Chest tube monitoring
38. TB- skin test, history taking- most important to ask (p.555)
The tuberculin Skin test (TST) AKA Mantoux test using purified protein derivative (PPD) is widely
used to determine if a person is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The test is administered by injecting 0.1 ml of PDD intradermally on the on the dorsal surface of the
forarm. The test is read by inspection and papation 48 to 72 hours later for the presence or absence of
induration.
The indurated area (if present):
Is measured and recorded in millimeters with 0 for no induration.
The induration (not redness) at the injection site means
At the injection sites mean: the person has been exposed to TB and has develop antibodies. The
reaction occurs
39. TB test positive- action plan
40. When to d/c airborne prec for TB patient