Question

1. What is metabolic acidosis/alkalosis & respiratory acidosis/alkalosis?

2. What lab values would you expect to see?

3. What are some causes of these conditions?

4. What are some signs & symptoms?

Answer 1

1, Metabolic acidosis: It occur when kidney can not remove enough acid from the body, it cause too much avoid produced in the body.
Metabolic alkalosis is a condition occur when blood become highly alkaline. it is bicarbonate accumulation due to acid loss, renal Hco3- retention, the intracellular shift of hydrogen iron.
Respiratory acidosis is a condition that occurs when the lungs can not remove enough co2 produced by the body. high co2 accumulation cause ph and body fluids to decrease and make them too acidic.
Respiratory alkalosis occur when the co2 and o2 in the blood are not balanced. respiratory alkolois occur when breath too fast or too deep and co2 level drop too low. it increases the pH in the blood and become too alkaline.
2, Lab values:
Metabolic acidosis: low bicarbonate and low pH
Metabolic alkalosis: high pH and low Hco3
Respiratory acidosis:low pH and high Hco3
Respiratory alkalosis: pH greater than 7.45 and low Hco3
3, Causes:
Metabolic acidosis caused by high avoid production, GI or renal bicarbonate loss
Metabolic alkalosis caused by too much bicarbonate in the blood due to kidney diseases.
Respirtory acidosis caused by impaired respiratory floor due to obstruction, sleep apnea etc.
Respiratory alkalosis caused by high respiratory rate or volume.
4, signs and symptoms:
Metabolic acidosis signs and symptoms include confusion, headache, fatigue, sleepiness, jaundice, increase heart rate, and lack of appetite.
Metabolic alkalosis signs and symptoms include lightheadedness, muscle twitching, nauses, vomiting, numbness in the face, hand and feet, muscle spasm, hand tremor and confusion.
Respiratory acidosis signs and symptoms include headache, anxiety, restlessness, blurred vision and confusion.
Respiratory alkalosis signs and symptoms inlcude dizziness, lightheadedness, bloating, numbness, confusion, dry mouth and tingling in the arms.