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MS RENALdkcs
GENITOURINARY SYSTEM
KIDNEY
Characteristics:
• Bean-shaped paired organs
• 150 grams
• Right kidney slightly lower than the left
• Receive 20% of cardiac output (at rest)
• Receive 2-4% cardiac output (under stress)
Location:
• Posterior abdominal wall, retroperitoneal
• T12-L3 (iliac crest)
Functions:
• Urine formation
• Excretion of waste products
• Regulation of electrolytes
• Regulation of acid-base balance
• Control of water balance
• Control of blood pressure
• Renal clearance
• Regulation of red blood cell production
• Synthesis of vitamin D to active form
• Secretion prostaglandins
• Regulates calcium and phosphorus balance
v Renal circulation
Renal Artery (hilum) branches into afferent arterioles
Efferent Arterioles
Renal Vein
NEPHRON
v Anatomic & functional unit of the kidney
v 1 million per kidney
v Process:
l Urine is formed in the nephrons in a three-step process:
ü Filtration – transfer of water and waste from blood to glomerulus
ü Reabsorption – water and necessary ions are transferred back into the blood
ü Excretion – excess substances and wastes are removed and transferred into urine
l Water, electrolytes, and other substances, such as glucose and creatinine, are filtered by the glomerulus;
varying amounts of these substances are reabsorption in the renal tubule or excreted in the urine.
Parts
l Glomerulus
ü Urine filtration (water & solutes except blood, albumin & fibrinogen)
ü Is a unique network of capillaries suspended between the afferent and afferent blood vessels.
l Bowman’s capsule (Glomerular capsule)
ü Collects the filtrate
ü Epithelial structures that encloses the glomerulus
l Proximal convoluted tubules (PCT)
ü Reabsorption (peritubular capillaries)
ü Glucose (active transport)
ü Sodium (active transport)
URETERS
v 10 -12 inches (25-30 cm)
v Expands as it enters the kidney to form the renal pelvis (subdivided into calyces each containing renal papillae)
v Collects urine secreted by the kidney & propels it to the bladder by peristaltic wave
URINARY BLADDER
v Hollow, spherical, collapsible bag of smooth muscle
v Behind the symphysis pubis
v Reservoir for urine
v Capacity of the adult bladder 300-500 mL
v Influenced by Automatic Nervous System
URETHRA
l Musculo-membranous tube lined with mucosa opening to urinary meatus
v Female
l Behind the symphysis pubis
l Anterior to the vagina
l 3-5 cm
l Passageway for expulsion of urine
v Male
l Extends through the prostate gland and semen
CYSTITIS
v Infection of urinary bladder
v Usually caused by an ascending bacterial infection (E.coli)
v Most common route is transurethral
v Female (shorter urethra, childbirth, anatomic proximity of urethra to rectum)
v Male (due to epididymitis, prostatitis, renal calculi)
v Predisposing factors:
l Microbial invasion - E.coli
l High risk - women
l Obstruction
l Urinary retention
l Increase estrogen levels
l Sexual intercourse
v Clinical Manifestation:
l Pain- flank area
l Hematuria
l Nocturia
l Dysuria
l Pyuria
l Fever
l Urgency
l Chills
l Suprapubic pain
l Urinary frequency
v Diagnostic Tests:
l Urine culture & sensitivity (+) to E.coli
v Management
l Pharmacologic Management
ü Antibiotics
Ø Co-trimoxazole - drug of choice
ü Antispasmodics
ü Analgesic
l Nursing Management
ü Force fluid / hydration
ü Diet
Ø Cranberry/orange juice
Ø Avoid urinary tract irritants
Ø (coffee, tea, alcohol)
ü Warm sitz bath
ü Empty bladder after sexual intercourse
ü Good hygiene
ü Encourage frequent voiding
NEPHROLITHIASIS/UROLITHIASIS
l Formation of stones at urinary tract
l Types of Stones: Acidic and Alkaline
v Predisposing Factor:
l Diet- increase Ca & oxalate
l Hereditary- gout
l Obesity
l Sedentary lifestyle
l Hyperparathyroidism
l Males (3x) more common
l Catheterization, infection, urinary stasis
l Dehydration
v Signs and Symptoms
l Nephrolithiasis
ü Intense, deep ache in costovertebral region
ü Hematuria
ü Pyuria
ü Acute pain, nausea, vomiting, costovertebral area tenderness (renal colic)
ü Abdominal discomfort
ü Diarrhea
l Ureterolithiasis
ü Acute, excruciating, colicky, wavelike pain, radiating down the thigh to the genitalia
ü Frequent desire to void, but little urine passed
ü Hematuria
l Urolithiasis
ü Hematuria
ü Symptoms of irritation
ü Urinary retention
ü Possible sepsis
v Diagnostic Test:
l Intravenous Pyelogram
l Kidney Ureter Bladder x-ray
l Cystoscopic exam
l Stone analysis
l Urinalysis
l Ultrasound
ü Suprapubic prostatectomy
Ø Incision over lower abdomen & bladder
Ø With cystostomy tube & 2 - way foley catheter
Ø No incontinence
Ø No impotence
ü Retropubic prostatectomy
Ø Low abdominal incision
Ø No incontinence
Ø No impotence
ü Perineal prostatectomy
Ø Impotence
Ø Incontinence or rectal injury my be a complication
• Post-operative Nursing Care:
ü Increase fluid intake
ü Maintain patency of the catheter
Ø If drainage is reddish, increase flow rate
ü Practice asepsis
ü Us a sterile NSS to prevent water intoxication
ü Prevent thrombophlebitis
ü Monitor for hemorrhage
ü After removal of catheter observed for urinary retention/dribbling
ü Kegel’s exercise
ü Avoid anti-cholinergics
ü Antihistamines
ü Upon discharge avoid the following:
Ø Vigorous exercise
Ø Heavy lifting
Ø Sexual intercourse 3 weeks after discharge
Ø Driving 2 weeks after discharge
Ø Straining w/defecation
Ø Prolonged sitting or standing
Ø Crossing the legs
Ø Long trips
v Clinical Manifestation
Acute Chronic
Fever Fatigue
Urgency Headache
Chills Poor appetite
Hematuria Polyuria
Nocturia Excessive thirst
Pyuria Weight loss
Flank pain
Urinary frequency
Costovertebral
Tenderness
Dysuria
malaise
v Diagnosis Tests:
l Urinalysis
l Urine culture & sensitivity
l Cystoscopy, IVP, ultrasound
l CT-scan
v Management:
l Pharmacologic management
ü Antibiotics
ü Antispasmodics
ü analgesics
l Nursing management
ü Complete bed rest
ü VS, I & O, weight
ü Diet
Ø Cranberry juice, orange juice
Ø Force fluids (3-4 L/day)
ü Empty the bladder regularly
ü Performing recommended perineal hygiene (wipe the perineum from front to back)
NEPHROTIC SYNDROME
v Renal pathology characterized by increased glomerular permeability and is manifested by massive proteinuria
v Pathophysiology:
v Clinical Manifestations
• Pathognomonic sign: Anasarca (generalized edema)
• Edema (soft and pitting)
• Periorbital edema
• Dependent edema (sacrum, ankle, and hands)
• Ascites
• Irritability
• Headache
• Malaise
v Complications
• Infection
• Thromboembolism
• Pulmonary Emboli
• Acute Renal Failure
• Accelerate atherosclerosis
v Management:
• Pharmacological Management
ü Diuretics
ü ACE inhibitors
ü Lipid lowering Agents
• Nursing Management
ü Monitor VS, I & O daily weight & urine specific gravity
ü Dietary restriction of sodium, fluids & protein
ü Carbohydrates are given liberally to provide energy and reduce the catabolism of protein.
ü Provide special skin care
ü Observe for complication (renal failure, cardiac failure, hypertensive encephalopathy)
ü Monitor urinalysis, BUN & creatinine levels
ü Promote rest & regular activity when hematuria & proteinuria resolve
v Management
(Correct underlying cause)
• Pharmacologic management
ü Volume expanders (Dopamine) to restore renal perfusion in hypertensive client
ü Loop diuretics
10 TOPRANK REVIEW ACADEMY- NURSING MODULE
NURSING*RADTECH*DENTISTRY*CRIMINOLOGY*MIDWIFERY*MEDTECH
LET*PSYCHOMET*RESPIRATORY THERAPY*CIVIL SERVICE*NAPOLCOM
NCLEX*DHA*HAAD* PROMETRIC* UK-CBT
ü ACE inhibitors for hypertension
ü H2 blockers to prevent gastric ulcers
ü Kayexalate to reduce potassium
ü Sodium bicarbonate to treat acidosis
• Nursing Management
ü Diet
Ø Moderate protein restriction
Ø High carbohydrates & restricted potassium
ü Total parenteral nutrition
ü Monitor I & O
ü Observe for oliguria followed by polyuria
ü Weight patient daily & observe for edema
ü Monitor electrolyte imbalance (acidosis & hyperkalemia)
ü Assess for sign of overhydration (edema, crackles, headache, distended neck vein, hypertension)
ü Provide periods of undisturbed rest
ü Protect client from injury
ü Observed for early signs of complication
ü Provide skin care
ü Assist in peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis
Stage 2
GFR:60-89 mL/min/1.73 m2
Mild increased in GFR
Stage 3
GFR:30-59 mL/min/1.73 m2
Moderate increased in GFR
Stage 4
GFR:15-29 mL/min/1.73 m2
Severe increased in GFR
Stage 5/ CKD V
GFR:15 mL/min/1.73 m2
Kidney failure (end-stage renal disease {ESRD})
v Clinical Manifestation
• Gastrointestinal system
ü Nausea & vomiting
ü Stomatitis
ü Uremic breath/uremic fetor
ü Diarrhea/constipation
• Respiratory system
ü Kussmaul’s respiration
ü Deep, rapid respiration
ü Decrease cough reflex
• Fluid & electrolytes
ü Hyperkalemia
ü Dilutional hyponatremia
ü Hypermagnesemia
ü Hyperphosphatemia
• Integumentary system
ü Pruritus
ü Dry skin
ü Uremic frost
ü Edema
• Cardiovascular system
ü Hypertension due to activation of RAAS
ü Pericarditis due to irritation by uremic toxins
• Hematologic system
ü Anemia
ü Thrombocytopenia
• Musculoskeletal system
ü Muscles cramps
ü Loss of muscle strength
ü Renal osteodystrophy
ü Bone pain
ü Bone fractures
• Reproductive system
ü Amenorrhea
ü Testicular atrophy
ü Infertility
ü Decreased libido
• Neurologic system
ü Confusion
ü Disorientation
ü Seizures
ü Burning of soles of feet
ü Behavior changes
v Management
• Pharmacologic management:
ü Calcium and phosphorus binders
ü Antihypertensive and Cardiovascular Agents
ü Antiseizure agents
ü Erythropoietin
PERITOEAL DIALYSIS
v Principles:
• Dialyzing solution is introduced via a catheter inserted in the peritoneal cavity
• The peritoneal membrane is used as a dialyzing membrane to remove toxic substances metabolic waste & excess
fluid
• Patient can dialyze alone in any location
• Can be used in patients who are hemodynamically unstable
• The peritoneal membrane that covers the abdominal organs and lines the abdominal wall serves as the
semipermeable membrane
• Once the cavity, uremic toxins such as urea and creatinine begin to be cleared from the blood through diffusion
and osmosis.
v Nursing Care:
• Preparing the patient:
ü Consent (patient and the family)
ü Obtain Baseline vital signs
ü Explain the procedure
ü Empty the bladder and bowel to prevent puncture
ü Administer broad-spectrum antibiotic to prevent infection
ü Administer heparin to prevent fibrin formation
ü Warm the dialysate to dilate vessels of peritoneum.
• Note: Normal color of the drainage fluid is colorless.
§ Cloudy: infection, peritonitis.
§ Bloody: normal at first few exchanges
§ Yellowish: Punctured urinary bladder
ü Regulate fluid volume & drainage
ü Promote comfort
ü Prevent complications
o Leaks
HEMODIALYSIS
v Client is attached (via a surgically created AV fistula or Graft) to a machine that pumps blood along a semi-permeable
membrane, dialyzing solution is on the other side of the membrane, and osmosis, diffusion of waste, toxins, and fluid
from the client occurs
v Diffusion, osmosis and ultrafiltration are the principles in dialysis
v Hemodialysis Access
• AV Fistula
ü Commonly in the forearm anastomosis artery to vein either side to side or end to end
ü It takes at least 14 days to mature
ü Palpate for thrills, Auscultate for bruits
• AV Graft
ü Can be created by subcutaneously interposing a biologic, semibiologic, or synthetic graft material between an
artery and vein
ü A graft is created when the patient’s vessels are not suitable for fistula.
• Vascular access devices
ü Creation of a double-lumen large core catheter into the subclavian, internal jugular or femoral vein.
v Nursing Management
• Protecting vascular access
ü Evaluate venous access site for bruit or thrill
ü Absence means blockage or clotting
• Taking precautions During IV
ü The rate of the administration must be as slow as possible
• Monitoring symptoms of uremia
ü Deleting Cardiac and Respiratory Complications
Ø Assessment must be conducted frequently
ü Controlling electrolyte levels and diet
• Managing discomforts and pain
ü Antihistamine for pruritis
ü Use bath oils, superfatted soap, cream of lotion
ü Keep nails trimmed to avoid scratching and excoriation
ü Applying lotion to the skin instead of scratching also promotes comfort.
• Monitoring blood pressure
ü Antihypertensive agents must be withheld before dialysis to avoid hypertension due to the combined effect of
the dialysis and the medications.
• Preventing infection
ü Caring for the catheter site
Ø Performed during showering or bathing
Ø Exit site should not be submerged in bath water
Ø Liquid soap is recommended
Ø Make sure that the catheter remains secure to avoid tension and trauma.
v Vascular Access Complications:
• Poor blood flow
• Clotting
• Infection
• Pseudoaneurysm / aneurysm
• Ischemia of the hand
• May contribute to congestive heart failure
RENAL TRANSPLANT
v Kidney transplantation involves transplanting a kidney from a living donor or deceased donor to a recipient who are
longer has renal function
v Philippines’ Organ Donation Act of 1991
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• Republic Act 7170
“Any individual, at least 18 years of age and of sound mind, may give by way of legacy, to take effect after his death, all
or part of his body for the purpose of medical or dental education, research advancement of medical or dental science,
therapy or transplant”.
“In all donations, the death of a person from whose body organ will be removed after his death for the purpose of
transplantation to a living person, shall be diagnosed separately by two (2) qualified physicians neither of whom shall be:
- A member of the team of medical practitioners who will affect the removal of the organ from the body
- Lead of hospital or designated officer authorizing the removal of the organ”
v Where do organs come from?
• Living related donors
• Living unrelated Donors
ü Emotionally related donors
ü Husband/wife
ü Best friend
• Decreased Donor
ü Acute head/neurological trauma
ü vehicular crash; gunshot wound
ü blunt head injuries
ü Cerebrovascular accidents
ü aneurysm
ü cerebral anorexia
ü drowning; Hanging
ü primary brain tumors
v Pre-operative Nursing Care
• Complete physical examination is performed
ü Tissue typing
ü Blood typing
ü Antibody screening
ü Psychosocial evaluation
• Patient teaching
ü Post-operative pulmonary hygiene
ü Pain management options
ü Dietary restrictions
ü Early ambulance
DEFINITION OF TERMS
FLUIDS AND ELECTROLYTES
v Comprisesapproximately 60% of body weight
BODY FLUIDS
v Necessary for chemical reactions and transport
v Contained in the body in several compartments separated by semi-permeable membranes.
v The major compartments are:
• Intracellular—the area inside the cell membrane, containing 65 percent of body fluids
• Extracellular—the area in the body that is outside the cell, containing 35 percent of body fluids
• Tissues or interstitial area—contains 25 percent of body fluids
v Blood plasma and lymph—represents 8 percent of body fluids
v Blood plasma is contained in the intravascular spaces
v Transcellular fluid—includes all other fluids and represents 2 percent of body fluids (e.g., eye humor, spinal fluid,
synovial fluid, and peritoneal, pericardial, pleural, and other fluids in the body)
ELECTROLYTES
v Charged molecules contributes to fluid concentration
v Allows fluid movement from one compartment to another
HYPERKALEMIA
• Results most commonly from decreased excretion of potassium owing to renal failure
• May result from excessive intake or overaggressive treatment of potassium deficit with potassium supplements.
• In addition, acidosis also can cause hyperkalemia by causing a shift of hydrogen ions into the cell and potassium
ions out of the cell and into the blood.
• Transfusion of hemolyzed blood also can result in high potassium levels.
• Leukemic patients may demonstrate hyperkalemia owing to leukocytosis that occurs with the condition.
• The nurse should assess the heart because potassium excess can cause heart rhythm (pulse) and ECG changes,
including
ü Ventricular fibrillation
ü Prolonged PR interval; peaked, narrow T waves;and shortened QT interval progressing to a
widened/prolonged QRS complex as potassium level rises
Signs and Symptoms
• Tingling in the extremities
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Lethargy
• Cardiac dysrhythmia
SODIUM
v Major cation in the extracellular fluid and spaces.
v Concentration of sodium across the cellular membrane plays an important part in neuromuscular cell activity.
HYPONATREMIA
v Most often results from excessive fluid retention or infusion that dilutes the sodium in the blood.
v Patients with conditions that result in excessive retention of fluid, such as the syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone (SIADH), also should be observed for a dilutional hyponatremia.
Assessment
• General fatigue
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Confusion
• Seizure
• Coma
• Death
HYPERNATREMIA
v Results from excessive sodium intake or sodium retention with excessive loss of water owing to diarrhea, diuretic
medication use, vomiting, sweating, heavy respiration, or severe burns.
Symptoms the nurse may note:
• Signs of dehydration
• Dry skin and mucous membranes
• Slow skin turgor
• Complaints of thirst
• Neurologic changes, including
• Twitching
• Irritability
• Delirium
CHLORIDE
v Most of the chloride in the body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) ingested and absorbed in the intestines as
food is digested.
HYPOCHLOREMIA
v Often results from diarrhea, vomiting, gastric suctioning (resulting in loss of acid and metabolic
alkalosis),chronicrespiratory disease (causing respiratory acidosis), and any condition that causes a loss of sodium
owing to decreased reabsorption of sodium and chloride.
Symptoms the nurse might note in patients with hypochloremia include:
• Hyperexcitability of the muscles and nerves
• Shallow respirations
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Tetany
HYPERCHLOREMIA
v Can result from dehydration and other conditions, including renal disease and excess parathyroid hormone (PTH).
v Also results from metabolic acidosis owing to the loss of base and respiratory alkalosis that occurs with
hyperventilation.
HYPERCALCEMIA
v Most commonly from increased parathyroid function often owing to a tumor or from cancer in the bones that releases
calcium into the bloodstream.
Additional causes of hypercalcemia include:
• Hyperthyroidism
• Bone breakage with inactivity
• Sarcoidosis
• Tuberculosis
• Vitamin D excess
• Kidney transplant
Symptoms the nurse might note in patients with hypercalcemia include:
• Anorexia
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Muscle weakness
• Somnolence
• Coma
• ECG: Shortened QT interval
MAGNESIUM
v Found primarily in the intracellular environment and is bound to adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
v It is important in almost all the body's metabolic functions.
HYPOMAGNESEMIA
v May be noted in patients with conditions that cause excessive urinary loss of magnesium, including poorly
controlled diabetes and alcohol abuse,or in patients using drugs such as loop and thiazide diuretics (e.g., Lasix,
Bumex, Edecrin, and hydrochlorothiazide), Cisplatin (which is used widely to treat cancer), and the antibiotics
gentamicin, amphotericin, and cyclosporine.
v Result from conditions resulting in chronic malabsorption such as occurs with diarrhea and fat malabsorption
(which usually occurs after intestinal surgery or infection) or problems such as Crohn's disease, gluten-sensitive
enteropathy, and regional enteritis.
v The nurse may note many symptoms, including the following signs of hypomagnesemia:
• Neuromuscular weakness
• Irritability
• Convulsions
20 TOPRANK REVIEW ACADEMY- NURSING MODULE
NURSING*RADTECH*DENTISTRY*CRIMINOLOGY*MIDWIFERY*MEDTECH
LET*PSYCHOMET*RESPIRATORY THERAPY*CIVIL SERVICE*NAPOLCOM
NCLEX*DHA*HAAD* PROMETRIC* UK-CBT
• Tetany (owing to low calcium metabolism)
• ECG changes
• Neurologic changes, including delirium
HYPERMAGNESEMIA
v May result from an excessive intake of magnesium, specifically found in antacids, as well as from renal failure
owing to decreased excretion of magnesium
v The nurse may note the following signs of hypermagnesemia:
• Mental status changes
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Appetite loss
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Extremely low blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat
PHOSPHATE
v Necessary to maintain acid base balance (through the buffer system)
v Phosphate levels represent the phosphorous that is inorganic, or not part of another organic compound.
v High Phosphate=Low Calcium; Low Phosphate=High Calcium
HYPOPHOSPHATEMIA
v May result from poor absorption such as occurs with ingestion of antacids that bind to phosphate. Phosphate may
be decreased withreducedrenalreabsorptionoften secondary to high levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH or in high
calcium levels and vitamin D deficiency.
v The nurse may note respiratory distress in patients with hypophosphatemia owing to weakness of respiratory
muscles, particularly the diaphragm, which may cause respiratory failure and difficulty in weaning the patient from
mechanical ventilation, and in patients with an increased tendency for hemoglobin to cling onto oxygen, resulting in
less oxygen availability to tissues. Cardiacmuscle weakness with low blood pressure and dysrhythmias also may be
noted, as well as neurologicsymptoms, includingdelirium, seizures, and peripheral neuropathy.
HYPERPHOSPHATEMIA
v Owing to the release of phosphate from the bones by tumors. Sarcoidosis; acromegaly owing to growth hormone
deficiency; renal failure; cell injury such as occurs in trauma, severe infection, rhabdomyolysis, and hemolytic
anemia; and conditions of hypoparathyroidism and hypocalcemia, vitamin D intoxication,hyperalimentation,
thyrotoxicosis, and acidosis may predispose a patient to hyperphosphatemia.
v The nurse may observe central nervous system (CNS) symptoms, including altered mental status with paresthesias,
delirium, convulsions, seizures, and coma, as well as muscle cramping, tetany, and hyperexcitability (Chvostek and
Trousseau signs). In addition, hypotension and heart failure, as well as a prolonged QT interval, may be noted.
Long-term hyperphosphatemia can result in vascular wall calcification and arteriosclerosis with increased blood
pressure and ventricular hypertrophy.
Dehydration
• Fluid loss without electrolyte loss
Assessment
• Thirst
• Weight loss
• Elevated Temperature
• Dry mouth and throat
• Warm, flushed, dry skin
• Soft, sunken eyeballs
METABOLIC ALKALOSIS
v Evaluation of arterial blood gases reveals a pH greaterthan 7.45 and a serum bicarbonate concentration greater than
26 mEq/L.
v The acid-base balance of the blood is basic because of either a decrease in acidity or an increase in bicarbonate
v Alkalosis is often associated with decreased levels of potassium or calcium
Causes
• Excess intake of antacids,
• Long-term parenteral nutrition
• Prolonged vomiting or nasogastric suctioning
• Use of thiazide diuretics
Clinical Manifestations
• Muscle weakness due to neuromuscular changes and hypokalemia
• Musclecrampingandtwitching due to electrolyte changes
• Serum potassium low, chloride low
Treatment
• Sufficient chloride must be supplied for the kidney to absorb sodium with chloride (allowing the excretion of excess
bicarbonate).
• In patients with hypokalemia, potassium is administered as KCI to replace both K and CI losses
• Monitor arterial blood gases and electrolyte levels.
• Administerfluids and electrolytes as necessary.
• Administer supplemental oxygen if necessary.
• Administer electrolyte replacement as indicated.
Nursing Interventions
• Monitor vital signs for changes.
• Monitor cardiovascular status for changes in heart rate, rhythm.
• Monitor intake and output.
• Assessintravenoussiteforsignsof infiltration.
• Check neurological status for changes.
Treatment
• Treatment is directed at improving ventilation
• Adequate hydration (2 to 3 L/day) is indicated to keep the mucous membranes moist and thereby facilitate the
removal of secretions. Supplemental oxygen is administered as necessary.
RESPIRATORY ALKALOSIS
v Respiratory alkalosis is a clinical condition in which the arterial pH is greater than 7.45 and the PaCO2 is less than 35
mm Hg.
Causes
• Respiratory alkalosis is always caused by hyperventilation, which causes excessive "blowing off" of CO2 and, hence, a
decrease in the plasma carbonic acid concentration
• Extreme anxiety
• Gram-negative bacteremia
Assessment
• Lightheadedness due to vasoconstriction and decreased cerebral blood flow
• Evaluation of serum electrolytes is indicated to identify any decrease in potassium, as hydrogen is pulled out of
the cells in
exchange for potassium
Management
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause of respiratory alkalosis.If the cause is anxiety, the patient is
instructed to breathe more slowly to allow CO2 to accumulate or to breathe into a closed system.