Respiratory Alkalosis on the NCLEX
Causes (hyperventilation), interpretation, treatment.
Respiratory alkalosis is low CO2 from hyperventilation.
ABG pattern
pH >7.45, CO2 <35.
Causes
Anxiety/panic, pain, fever, sepsis early, PE, altitude, mechanical overventilation, salicylate toxicity.
Treatment
Treat cause. Slow breathing (paper bag rebreathing controversial). Address anxiety, pain. Reduce ventilator rate if mechanical.
Frequently asked
Salicylate toxicity ABG?
Mixed respiratory alkalosis + metabolic acidosis classically.
Paper bag for hyperventilation?
Falling out of practice, risk of hypoxia if underlying cause missed.
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