Respiratory Acidosis

Evaluation and Treatment

Clinical Manifestations

Cardiovascular

arterial pH < 7.35

Restoration of Adequate Alveolar ventilation to remove excess CO2

Reversal agents for CNS depressants if indicated

Supplemental Oxygen, BIPAP, Mechanical Ventilation if required

CNS

Headache

Sleepiness

LOC

Confusion

Coma

Convulsion

Restlessness

Apprehension

Respiratory

SOB

Coughing

Rapid shallow respirations

Gastric

Intestinal

Diarrhea

Nausea/Vomiting

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Bronchodilators

Corticosteroids

Antibiotics

Chest Xray

Types of Respiratory Acidosis

Chronic

Thoracic skeletal shape that could limit breathing and lung functioning

Sleep Apnea

Obesity

Asthma

COPD

Acute

Cardiac Arrest

CNS depression medications

Pain medication

Benzodiazepines

Opioids

Mysthenia Gravis

CVA

Airway obstruction is the most common

abg

Tests: arterial blood gas (ABG) & Serum bicarbonate level

PCO2 (>45mmHg)

HCO3- (>30mmHg) if compensating

Possible Complications

Organ Failure/Shock organ failure

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Muscular

Seizures

Twitching/Tremor

Weakness

Sweating

Blurred vision

Hypotension

Arrhythmia

Myocardial depression

Pathophysiology

Hypercapnia

CO2 retention, H+ ions increase

Occurs in the presence of alveolar hypoventilation