Question

When assessing a patient with suspected metabolic acidosis, what physical assessments on other organ systems should be evaluated?

Answer 1

Metabolic acidosis

              Metabolic acidosis is condition in which the body produces excess amount of acid which will occur when the kidney is not properly removing the enough acid from the body.

             The Metabolic acidosis can be confirmed through the ABG results to evaluate the HCO3 levels. If the HCO3 levels are low means the condition is acidosis and if the HCO3 level is high, it will consider as alkalosis.

             A complete physical assessment is needed for other organs because the condition will affect other body systems also.

· Neurological assessment

       The neurological assessment should include the monitoring of the presence of any Lethargy, confusion, Headache, Dizziness, Coma etc.

· Cardiovascular assessment

       The cardiovascular assessment including the evaluation of decreased Blood pressure, cold clammy skin, Dysrhythmia etc.

· Gastrointestinal assessment

       This assessment includes the monitoring for the presence of Diarrhea, Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain etc.

· Neuromuscular assessment

       The neuromuscular assessment includes the evaluation for the presence of any muscle weakness

· Respiratory assessment

       In respiratory assessment, should observe for the presence of deep and rapid respirations.