if THERE have pt with respiratory failure who has an endotracheal tube and requires suctioning q 1-2 hrs, & every time pt suctioned the mucus is thick, streaked with blood & pts hr increases...
looks as if pt is in metabolic alkalosis, b/c of the elevated pH and bicarb, the pco2 is elevated as well b/c its trying to compendate for the pts alkalosis
i recently had a pt with a dx:cirrhosis of the liver with a large volume paracentesis. as a nurse i called the doctor to let him know the changes in the pts condition, bp decreased significantly form...