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Acid/Base Balance o The body usually produces more acids than bases. Acids enter the body via food ingestion and metabolism of lipids and proteins o Factors affecting balance: Age Environment GI output Chronic disease(s) Trauma Therapies o Rates of acid/base correction differ as between the different systems Buffers function almost instantaneously Respiratory mechanisms take several minutes to hours to kick in Renal mechanisms may take up to several days to be effective
PO2 : indicates partial pressure of oxygen that is dissolved in the arterial blood
o Normal: 80 100 o In the elderly, theres a normal, expected decline in the PaO2 level
HCO3 : bicarbonate
o Normal: 22 - 26 o Bicarbonate is a major buffer in the body; level is controlled by the kidneys Blood pH decreases kidneys compensate by retaining HCO3 to buffer the blood Blood pH increases kidneys compensate by excreting HCO3 \ to help prevent the blood from becoming too alkaline
o RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS: PaCO2 < 35 Causes: Hyperventilation (blow off CO2) fear, anxiety, trauma, high respirator setting
Hypoxia, Pulmonary embolism Pain Some medications (Doxapran, which is a respiratory stimulant) Anesthetic-induced hypoventilation Other conditions with increased metabolic demands o Thyroid storm, Fever, Gram-negative sepsis, Pregnancy
Clinical manifestations: Tachypenia, Dysrhythmias possible (with palpations), diaphoresis Dizziness, Light-headedness Numbness, confusion, inability to concentrate and blurred vision Dry mouth Tetany and spasms of the arms and legs Patient may suffer from a hyperventilation syndrome will have tinnitus (i.e., ringing in the ears), palpitations, diaphoresis, dry mouth, tremors, pre-cordial pain, n/v, epigastric pain, blurred vision, changes in LOC and seizures Treatment: Resolve the underlying disorder (i.e., if its due to anxiety, give patient antianxiety meds and teach the patient proper breathing exercises) Monitor patient for respiratory muscle fatigue and exhaustion Monitor patient for signs of acute respiratory failure SOB, tachycardia, tachypenia, DOE, fatigue, syncope
o RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS: PaCO2 > 45; pH <7.35; carbonic acid accumulating in blood Causes: Hypoventilation (holding onto CO2) can result from anything that prevents lungs from ventilating properly & allows CO2 build up in lungs
Acute: object aspiration, pulmonary edema, pneumothorax, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pain, chest wall injury (flail chest), gross abdominal distention o CNS related head trauma, overuse of narcotics/sedatives, anesthesia or impaired respiratory muscles r/t spinal cord injury Chronic: COPD/emphysema, HF, advanced MS, bronchial asthma
Clinical manifestations: Dyspnea; respiratory distress, Shallow respirations (poor diaphragmatic lift) Headaches, Restlessness, Confusion *If severe, will exhibit: profound CNS depression, drowsiness, unresponsiveness and cardiac issues (tachycardia & dysrhythmias) Treatment: Increase ventilation to help blow off excess carbonic acid build-up First: stabilize patient by possibly providing mechanical ventilation Then: correct underlying cause
o o o o o If due to a narcotic od, give a reversal agent If due to gross pain, manage the pain If lung collapse/pneumothorax, a chest tube will be inserted If due to bronchial spasms, give bronchodilators If due to acute infection, give antibiotics as ordered
Give oxygen but O2 on its own wont completely correct problem Ensure adequate hydration, i.e., 2-3 L of fluid over 24 hours
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o METABOLIC ACIDOSIS: HCO3 < 22 pH < 7.35 There is a deficit of bicarb in blood or an excess of acids other than carbonic acid Causes: Liver/Kidney failure DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis) Diarrhea, Dehydration Starvation Aspirin poisoning Clinical manifestations: Low BP, increased RR (deep, labored breathing) Headache, confusion, nausea, vomiting Restlessness - which progresses to lethargy, then stupor or coma Chest pain and dysrhythmias Muscle pain/weakness Warm, flushed skin (due to peripheral vasodilation) * Hyperkalemia is very common in metabolic acidosis Treatment: Treat underlying cause, which centers on hypoxic tissue anywhere in the body (hypoxic tissue produces metabolic acidosis) Only treat with bicarbonate if the metabolic acidosis is RENAL in nature o METABOLIC ALKALOSIS: HCO3 > 26 pH > 7.45 Excess of bicarb or a loss of acid somewhere in the body Causes: Excess base from ingesting antacids or excessive use of bicarbs to treat reflux disease (i.e., Sodium Bicarbonate) Acid loss via vomiting, gastric suction or excess use of diuretics * May see HYPOKALEMIA in metabolic acidosis Clinical manifestations: Dizziness, lethargy, disorientation, seizures and coma Weakness, muscle twitching, muscle cramps and tetany, nausea/vomiting Respiratory depression Treatment: Most difficult of all of the acid/base imbalances to treat DIAMOX stimulates kidneys to excrete excess bicarb IV infusion of HCl in severe cases ROME Respiratory is Opposite, the Metabolic is Equivalent o Respiratory: low is alkaloidic, high is acidic *pH and PCO2 HAVE AN INVERSE RELATIONSHIP Respiratory alkalosis, the pH will be high and the PCO2 will be low Respiratory acidosis, the pH will be low and the PCO2 will be high o Metabolic: low is acidic, high is alkaloidic * pH and BICARB WILL ALWAYS MOVE IN THE SAME DIRECTION Metabolic alkalosis, the pH is high and the bicarb is high Metabolic acidosis, the pH is low and the bicarb is low
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This is an example of respiratory acidosis because the pH and the PaCO2 are moving in opposite directions. Treatment: oxygen, mechanical ventilation, pulmonary toileting and bronchodilators. o 2. pH is 7.45 (high). PaCO2 is low and the bicarb is 25 (normal). This is an example of respiratory alkalosis/hyperventilation because, once again, the pH and PaCO2 are moving in opposite directions. Treatment: rest, possible intubation, anti-anxiety meds, manage pain, decrease fever, give antibiotics as ordered, avoid stress. o 3. pH is under 7.30. PaCO2 is 36 (normal) and bicarb is low. This is an example of metabolic acidosis. Treatment: oxygen. Reverse any diabetic ketoacidotic states by giving insulin. Give high quality nutrition, prepare patient for dialysis and reverse any aspirin poisoning. o 4. pH is 7.50 (high), PaCO2 is 42 (normal) and bicarb is 33 (high).
This is an example of metabolic acidosis - can tell because of the bicarb shift. Treatment: IV fluids and measures to reduce the excess base.
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Normal daily intake for a healthy adult is approximately 2,200 to 2,700 mL/day (output ~ same) o Remove fluid by: Kidneys remove fluid through formation of urine Skin through diaphoresis Lung through water vapor GI tract normally lose 100-200ml/day - can greatly increase with diarrhea/vomiting
Electrolytes
SODIUM Normal values: 135-145 mEq/L
o Most plentiful electrolyte in extracellular (95% of bodys sodium); small amounts in intracellular
Hyponatremia : Na < 135 o Results from a loss of Na (body has a higher concentration of sodium than water) o Causes: Diuretic use, Vomiting, diarrhea, Diaphoresis, Adrenal Insufficiency o Clinical manifestations: Abdominal cramping; Anorexia; nausea Muscular weakness; Gait disturbance; stupor Irritability/personality changes; Seizures o If sodium drops < 125, will see profound malaise and nausea If drops between 110-115, may see profound CNS changes, seizures & coma states o Can also occur in the presence of excess water, which pushes sodium back into the cell Causes of excess water:
Certain oncology meds Other meds, including Elavil (antidepressant) or Tegratol Excessive use of NSAIDs (pt w/ RA, OA or musculoskeletal problems) Certain disease processes (Hodgkins Lymphoma, TB, pneumonia, asthma, ARDS) Brain tumors (tend to excrete version of ADH, which causes water imbalances)
o Treatment: Na replacement (PO, NG tube or parenterally) IV fluid will contain Ringers Lactate or just normal saline Hypernatremia : sodium > 145 o Due to not enough water intake - almost never see this in patients that are alert and oriented because their thirst mechanism is intact and if they feel thirsty, they drink o Body will attempt to correct by stimulating release of ADH and thirst mechanism o Causes: Watery diarrhea, Excessive salt intake, Diabetes insipidus, Side effect of dialysis o Clinical indications: Thirst; Dry, swollen tongue Increased body temp Restlessness, weakness, lethargy, stupor and coma Muscle irritability and seizures o Treatment: Correct the situation but not too rapidly (can lead to cerebral edema) If condition is due to diabetes insipidus, ADH may be given Monitor I&O, manage fluids Continually monitor Na serum levels, BUN and creatinine
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POTASSIUM Normal values: 3.5 5.0 mEq/L o 98% of K+ in the body is contained within cells - moves in & out of cells freely. The 2% outside cells contributes to neuromuscular functions within the body o Influences skeletal & cardiac muscle activity; major role in acid/base balance o Must be replaced every day Dietary average of approximately 50 - 100 mEq/day required The body needs a minimum of 40-60 mEq/day to function Adosterone Depolarization Dialysate Dialysis Dysrhythmia Hemolysis Hyperpolarization Hypokalemia : o Causes: Losses in GI tract (diarrhea/excessive laxative abuse, gastric suctioning or vomiting) Renal loss via diuretics or high-dose steroids Meds such as Penicillin or Amphoceterecin B Extreme diaphoresis, abnormal cell shifting (seen with alkalosis) or with poor nutritional intake (anorexia nervosa, alcoholics) o Clinical manifestations: Weakness, flacidity, cramping, restless legs, rhabdomyelosis (muscle breakdown) V-tach, V-fib or Toursades de Pointe (form of V-tach) EKG changes with long Q-T segments Hypotension Dilute urine; polyuria and nocturia Nausea/vomiting with anorexia s/s Hyperglycemia (because the hypokalemic state helps to suppress endogenous insulin production) o Treatment: Prevention is best. Diet should include bananas, apricots, avocado, orange juice, guava, passion fruit, papaya, milk, carrots and potatoes. Supplements (20-40 mEq/day) May need K-riders (IV solutions of pure potassium) o Nursing interventions: Monitor potassium levels very carefully and detect changes early because they could be life-threatening, due to K+ impact on the cardiac system Patient education: teach patients not to overuse laxatives Monitor for Dig toxicity - hypokalemia can push a patient into Dig toxicity Usually if a patient is on Lasix, he will also be on a potassium supplement Give patient potassium supplement as prescribed
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Hyperkalemia : o Causes: Renal insufficiency secondary to decreased excretion of K+ (because kidney is major route of potassium excretion) Metabolic acidosis (K+ shifts out of the cell and into the extracellular fluid) Hyperglycemia Beta-blocker medication (these interfere with K+ re-entry into the cell) Chronic Heparin use o Clinical manifestations: Cardiac changes possible if K > 7 (definitely see if K > 8) EKG: peaked, narrow T-waves, short Q-T segments, long P-R intervals (which cause A-V blocks) May see loss of a P-wave, V-tach, bradycardia or cardiac arrest Rapidly ascending muscular weakness, possibly leading to flaccid quadriplegia Resulting paralysis of respiratory muscles can lead to respiratory arrest and death Nausea, diarrhea and intestinal colic o Treatment: depends on whether presentation is acute or non-acute Non-acute treatment: Limit potassium intake Give non-potassium sparing diuretics May give Kayexalate orally or rectally Acute treatment: order in which you give them doesnt matter Give calcium gluconate Give hypertonic dextrose and insulin, or sodium bicarbonate Use salt sparingly and avoid potassium-rich foods
CALCIUM Normal values: 8.6 10.2 mg/dL (2.2 2.6 mmol/L) o 99% of bodys calcium contained within skeletal system. 1% is between bone & blood o Major role in holding the bodys cells together and in nerve transmission; activates enzymes that are essential to many chemical reactions in the body o *CALCIUM AND PHOSPHORUS ALWAYS HAVE AN INVERSE RELATIONSHIP* Extravasation Hypoparathyroidism Hyperphostemia Osteomalacia Osteoporosis Rickets Tetany
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Hypocalcemia : o Causes: Acute pancreatitis (the inflamed pancreas releases enzymes that combine with calcium and move the calcium out of the blood) Can persist with HYPOmagnesium and HYPERphosphatemia (renal patients) Insufficient blood levels of Vitamin D and malabsorption syndromes (Crohns Disease, IBS, small bowel resection patients) Loop diuretics; Dilantin Alcoholics o Clinical manifestations: Tetany Circumoral paresthesia (i.e., mouth tingling) Spasms in the face/extremities Carpal spasms (i.e., + trousseaus sign) + Chvosteks sign Seizures, depression, memory problems, delusions and hallucinations V-tach or v-fib or prolonged q-t intervals Dry, scaly skin Alopecia o Treatment: Treat underlying cause PO oral calcium supplements Will see HYPOmagnesium also - Low Mg levels also need to be corrected o Emergent Hypocalcemia: If calcium levels are very, very low, this is considered a medical emergency Patient will need IV calcium in a slow, controlled infusion EKG must be monitored very closely Hypercalcemia : o Causes: Malignancy o Clinical manifestations: Very depressed reflexes, muscle weakness Constipation, anorexia, n/v Behavioral/personality changes Possible acute psychosis/confusion (because the CSF might now have calcium in it) Polyuria, polydyspnea Can ultimately lead to nephrogenic diabetes insipidus, which is reversible Possible renal stones or renal colic Changes in heart rhythm and contraction o Interventions: Institute seizure precautions if profound CNS changes are present Monitor patients airway & cardiac function very carefully Educate patient re: diet Hydrate well to prevent kidney stones Discontinue any calcium supplements
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MAGNESIUM Normal values: 1.3 2.3 mEq/L (1.8 3.0 mg/dL; 0.8 1.2 mmol/L)
o o o Most abundantly available electrolyte after potassium; mostly concentrated in the bones Major role in the CV system, i.e., in vasodilation, BP and heart rhythm Mg levels closely affected by the Ca/phosphorus balance; mostly excreted in loop of henle
Hypomagnesemia : o Causes: Critically ill patients Profound GI losses (consistent NG tube suction, diarrhea or fistulas) Any changes in the small bowel [small bowel is primary site for Mg absorption] Alcoholics, secondary to decreased dietary intake, vomiting & diarrhea Alcohol also causes an increase in Mg secretion in urine Certain meds, including loop diuretics, Gentamycin, Tobramycin and Kinamycin Cysplotin (a chemo drug) o Clinical manifestations: Weakness and tremors; Tetany Tonic/clonic or focal seizures + Trousseaus sign Premature ventricular contraction (pvc), dysthythmias, v-tach and v-fib Disorientation, vertigo, depression and psychosis *IF A PATIENT HAS HYPOMAGNESIUM, THAT PATIENT WILL ALSO HAVE HYPOKALEMIA* o Treatment: Green vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy and Mg supplements (PO, IV or IM) The ideal Mg value for a cardiac patient is 2.0 o Nursing interventions: Monitor for Digoxin toxicity Institute seizure precautions Hypermagnesemia : very uncommon o Causes: Advanced renal failure, especially in patients with GFRs below 30 Most likely receiving dialysis & will get Mg in either water or dialysis fluid Advancing age (older patients might have kidney problems) Overuse of Mg-containing antacids (Milk of Magnesia, Citrate Magnesia, Maalox) o Clinical manifestations: Facial flushing Drowsiness; Headache; nausea/vomiting Hypoactive reflexes Depressed respirations, coma & respiratory arrest if hypermagnesium state is severe o Treatment: prevention is best Avoid Mg in the presence of any renal insufficiency If any respiratory complications occur, give IV Calcium to help decrease Mg If the patient is on dialysis, make sure that the dialysis fluid is Mg-free
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PHOSPHORUS Normal values: 2.5 4.5 mg/dL (0.8 1.45 mmol/L) Hypophosphatemia : o Causes: o Clinical manifestations: o Treatment: Hyperphosphatemia : o Causes: o Clinical manifestations: o Treatment:
CHLORIDE Normal values: 97 107 mEq/L (96 106 mmol/L) Hypochloremia : o Causes: o Clinical manifestations: o Treatment: Hyperchloremia : o Causes: o Clinical manifestations: o Treatment:
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Intravenous Solutions
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Type
Use Increases circulating plasma volume when red cells are adequate Raises total fluid volume
Miscellaneous Replaces losses without altering fluid concentrations. Helpful for Na+ replacement
D5W
Normal saline with electrolytes and buffer Dextrose 5% in water Crystalloid solution
Useful for daily maintenance of body fluid, but is of less value for replacement of NaCl deficit. Helpful for establishing renal function. Fluid replacement for clients who dont need extra glucose (diabetics) Normal saline with K+, Ca++, and lactate (buffer) Often seen with surgery Provides 170-200 calories/1,000cc for energy. Physiologically hypotonic the dextrose is metabolized quickly so that only water remains - a hypotonic fluid Watch for fluid volume overload
Isotonic (in the bag) *Physiologic ally hypotonic (260 mOsm) Hypertonic (560 mOsm)
Raises total fluid volume. Helpful in rehydrating and excretory purposes. Replaces fluid sodium, chloride, and calories. Useful for daily maintenance of body fluids and nutrition, and for rehydration. Same as LR plus provides about 180 calories per 1000ccs. Replaces fluid and buffers pH
D5NS
D5LR
Normosol Normosol-R
pH 7.4 Contains sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium and magnesium Common fluid for OR and PACU
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Type
Solution
Uses Fluid loss Dehydration Hypernatremia Shock Hyponatremia Blood transfusions Resuscitation Fluid challenges DKA
Special Considerations Use cautiously in renal and cardiac patients Can cause fluid overload
Dextrose 5% in water (D5W) Isotonic 0.9% sodium chloride (Normal Saline) Isotonic (NaCl)
Can lead to overload Use with caution in patients with heart failure or edema
Isotonic
Dehydration Burns Lower GI fluid loss Acute blood loss Hypovolemia due to third spacing Water replacement DKA Gastric fluid loss from NG or vomiting Later in DKA treatment
Contains potassium, dont use with renal failure patients Dont use with liver disease, cant metabolize lactate Use with caution May cause cardiovascular collapse or increased intracranial pressure Dont use with liver disease, trauma, or burns Use only when blood sugar falls below 250 mg/dL
0.45% sodium Hypotonic chloride (1/2 normal saline) Hypertonic Dextrose 5% in normal saline Hypertonic Dextrose 5% in normal saline
Temporary treatment for shock if plasma expanders arent available Addisons crisis
Hypertonic
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