This document discusses respiratory acidosis and alkalosis. [1] Respiratory acidosis is caused by conditions that obstruct airways or depress breathing, leading to increased carbon dioxide levels and decreased pH in the blood. Causes include asthma, pneumonia, and pulmonary edema. [2] Symptoms of respiratory acidosis include drowsiness, decreased blood pressure, and hypoventilation. Interventions focus on clearing airways, administering oxygen, and monitoring for respiratory distress. [3] Respiratory alkalosis is caused by fever, hypoxia, or hyperventilation, leading to decreased carbon dioxide levels and increased pH. Symptoms include lightheadedness, tachycardia, and tetany. Interventions include

1. ACID- BASE
BALANCE
RESPIRATORY ACIDOSIS:
DESCRIPTION:
Relative increase in hydrogen ion
concentration; thus a greater number of
hydrogen ions are circulating in the blood.
CAUSES:
1. primary defects in the functions of lungs
or changes in normal respiratory patterns
2. Any cause that cause obstruction of
airways or depresses the respiratory
system.
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2. 3. Asthma: Spasms resulting from
allergens, irritants cause smooth
muscles of bronchioles to constrict,
resulting in impaired gas exchange.
4. Atelectasis: excessive mucus collection
With collapse of alveolar sacs caused
by mucus plugs resulting in impaired gas
exchange.
5. Brain tumor: excessive pressure on
respiratory centre depresses respirations.
6. Bronchiectasis; bronchi became dilated as
a result of inflammation, destructive
changes and weakness in the walls of
bronchi.
7. Emphysema: loss of elasticity of
alveolar sacs restricts air flow in and
out , leading to increased co2 level.
8. Hypoventilation: co2 is retained and the
hydrogen ion concentration increases
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3. leading to acidic state . thus pH
decreases.
9. Pulmonary edema: excessive
accumulation cause disturbance in
alveolar diffusion.
10. Pneumonia: excess mucus production
causes obstruction.
In acidosis, the pH decreases and the
respiratory rate and depth increases in
an attempt to exhale the acids.
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4. INTERVENTIONS
a) Monitor for signs of respiratory
distress
b)Administer oxygen as prescribed
c) Place the client in semi-fowler
position
d) Encourage hydrations to thin out
secretions
e) Suction the client’s airways
f) Reduce restlessness
g) Monitor electrolyte values
h) Administer antibiotics for any
infection
i) Prepare to administer respiratory
treatments and also for endotracheal
intubation, if cO2 level rise.
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5. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF
ACIDOSIS
When Pco2 increases,
Neurological:
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Disorientation
Cardiovascular:
Decreased blood pressure
Ventricular fibrillation
Warm, flushed skin
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6. Neuro-muscular:
Seizures
Respiratory:
Hypoventilation with hypoxia (lungs are not
able to compensate when there is respiratory
problems)
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7. RESPIRATORY
ALKALOSIS
DESCRIPTION:
A deficit of carbonic acid and a decrease in
hydrogen ion concentration that results from
the loss of acid.
CAUSES:
Fever:
Causes increased metabolism, resulting in
overstimulation of respiratory system.
Hypoxia:
Stimulates respiratory centre which causes
increase in respiratory rate inorder to
increase the oxygen consumption ,thus
decrease in Co2 level.
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8. Hyperventilation:
Rapid respiration cause blowing off Co2,
leading to decrease in carbonic acid.
Hysteria;
It leads to vigorous breathing, and
excessive exhaling of Co2.
Pain:
Pain causes overstimulation of respiratory
centre.
In alkalosis, the pH increases and the
respiratory rate and depth decreases.
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9. CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF
ALKALOSIS
When pCo2 decreases,
NEUROLOGICAL:
Lethargy
Lightheadedeness
Confusion
CARDIO-VASCULAR:
Tachycardia
Dysrhythemia
GASTRO- INTESTINAL:
Nausea
Vomiting
Epigastric pain
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10. NEURO-MUSCULAR:
Tetany
Numbness
Tingling of extremities
Hyperreflexia
Seizures
RESPIRATORY:
Hyperventilation (lungs are unable to
compensate when there is respiratory
problems).
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11. INTERVENTIONS
a) monitor for signs of dehydration
b) assist with breathing techniques and
breathing aids
c) monitor electrolytes level
d) administer medications
e) provide emotional support
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