Abg Help

Stitchie · Feb 27, 2004

Ok, I got the arrows..can tell resp or metabolic acidosis or alkalosis...now is where I need a little help...
does anyone have information on treatment..
when to vent, when to give o2, when not to...when to increase the o2..
I am just having a horrible time with this and would appreciate it if anyone
has resources or will even appreciate advice..please.

O2 for any cardiac event, even 2L by NC. COPDer's generally can't handle a lot of 02 and it's up to your hospital's or doc's policy on what to do with COPDer's with exacerbation. Generally, they get the venti masks with precise flows of 02 and they all hate masks of any kind. All that increased WOB makes them a little anxious and claustrophobic.

You'll get vent orders when it's obvious the guys in respiratory distress and the sats, lung sounds, resp rate and work of breathing make it obvious this person's going to go into arrest. You'll figure it out. It just takes some practice and experience, but you'll be fine.

thanatos · Feb 27, 2004

I did a quick web search for "treatment of acid base inbalances" and came up w/ a number of hits. I didn't have time to look at them thouroughly, but here is one I have used in the past & liked:

http://www.acid-base.com/

Basically, determine the cause of the imbalance and treat accordingly. It is the specific pathology that directs appropriate tx. Think about how you treat DKA vs ethylene glycol poisoning. Never lose sight of treat the patient, not the monitor/labs/abg/etc.

laurakc · Mar 2, 2004

thanks for all of your help guys..

will take a look at the website and look for more..