Alkalosis

Subject: Medical and Surgical Nursing I (Theory)

Overview

Blood that has too much base (or not enough acid) is said to be alkaline, which can occasionally cause the blood's pH to rise. Alkalosis of the respiratory and metabolic kinds can also occur. Its symptoms include shallow breathing, sluggishness, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and more. Alkaline substance consumption, vomiting (which results in an abnormal loss of HCL), and hyperventilation are its causes. Watch out for any alterations in the neurologic, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular systems. When administering potassium through an IV containing potassium salts, dilute it. Monitor the infusion rate to avoid harm and keep an eye out for phlebitis symptoms. Keep an eye out for tetany, muscle weakness, or decreased activity. To assess the health of the respiratory, fluid, and electrolyte systems, routinely monitor vital signs and note intake and output.

A condition where the blood has an imbalance of base (or acid), raising the blood's pH. It falls into two categories:

  • Respiratory alkalosis
  • Metabolic alkalosis

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Slow and shallow breathing
  • Drowsiness
  • Lethargy
  • Tetany
  • Headache
  • Giddiness
  • Nausea

Causes:

  • Ingestion of alkaline substances
  • Vomiting(abnormal loss of HCL)
  • Hyperventilation

Nursing management

  • Watch out for any alterations in the neurologic, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular systems.
  • Establish safety precautions for patients who are experiencing vertigo or who are unconscious.
  • Get the frightened patient to express their fears in words.
  • As directed, give sedative to the patient to help them relax.
  • Dry off and keep the patient warm.
  • Instruct the patient to breathe slowly and deeply, or have them breathe into a brown paper bag (inspire CO2).
  • Monitor vital signs:
    • Monitor ABGs, primarily PaCO2; a value less than 35 mmHg indicates too little CO2 (carbonic acid)
    • Dilute potassium when giving through I.V. which contain potassium salts. Monitor the infusion rate to prevent damage and watch out for signs of phlebitis.
    • Watch for signs of muscle weakness, tetany or decreased activity. Monitor vital signs frequently and record intake and output to evaluate respiratory, fluid and electrolyte status.
    • Observe seizure precautions.

 References

  • authorstream.com/Presentation/parth305-1318149-acid-basehomeostasis/
  • books.google.com/books?isbn=0781778999
  • ja.scribd.com/document/106697493/research
  • Mandal, G. (August 2013). A Textbook of Adult Health Nursing (2nd ed.). Dilllibazar kathmandu: Makalu publication house. Retrieved August 2013
  • nurseslabs.com › Notes › Medical-Surgical Nursing
  • slideshare.net/biochemistry1234/acid-base-balance-61074091
  • slideshare.net/drjayeshpatidar/acid-base-imbalances-nursing-care-plan-amp-management
  • quizlet.com/52741435/adult-1-exam-2-flash-cards/
Things to remember
  • Alkalosis is a condition in which the blood has too much base (or too little acid), occasionally resulting in an increase in blood PH. 
  • Slow and shallow breathing 
  • Ingestion of alkaline substances, vomiting(abnormal loss of HCL), causes. 
  • Administer sedation as ordered to relax the patient 
  • Monitor the infusion rate to prevent damage and watch out for signs of phlebitis.
  • Watch for signs of muscle weakness, tetany or decreased activity. 
  • Monitor vital signs frequently and record intake and output to evaluate respiratory, fluid and electrolyte status.
  • Monitor vital signs. 
Questions and Answers

A condition where the blood has too much base (or not enough acid), which can occasionally cause the blood's pH to rise. It falls into two categories;

  • Pulmonary alkalosis
  • Metabolic acidosis

 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Shallow breathing that is rapid
  • Drowsiness
  • Lethargy
  • Tetany
  • Headache
  • Giddiness
  • Nauseea

Nursing Management

  • Watch out for any alterations in the neurologic, neuromuscular, or cardiovascular systems.
  • Establish safety precautions for patients who are experiencing vertigo or who are unconscious.
  • Get the frightened patient to express their fears in words.
  • As directed, give sedation to the patient to help them relax.
  • Dry off and keep the patient warm.
  • Instruct the patient to breathe slowly and deeply, or have them breathe into a brown paper bag (inspire CO2).
  • Track vital signs
  • A reading of less than 35 mmHg suggests too little CO2 in the air, thus keep an eye on ABGs, especially PaCO2 (carbonic acid)
  • When administering potassium through an IV containing potassium salts, dilute it. Monitor the infusion rate to avoid harm and keep an eye out for phlebitis symptoms.
  • Keep an eye out for tetany, muscle weakness, or decreased activity. To assess the health of the respiratory, fluid, and electrolyte systems, routinely monitor vital signs and note intake and output.
  • Take seizure safety procedures.

 

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