Respiratory Acidosis: Ventilator Failure

Respiratory acidosis (respiratory failure/ventilator failure) is an acid based disturbance characterized by abnormally high amounts of carbon dioxide gas dissolved in systemic arterial blood, above 45 mmHg (millimeter of mercury) and a deviation of pH away from the normal value of 7.4. The elevation in PCO2 has been never due to an increase in CO2 production. (Angus MD, 2006). Other causes include the presence of excessive carbon dioxide in inspired air (inhaled breath). Decreased alveolar ventilation (exhaled breath). Increased production of carbon dioxide by the body. Cell buffering can occur within minutes after the onset of respiratory acidosis and an increase in net acid excretion (the amount of acid excreted in the urine). The compensatory response mechanism is compensated by the kidneys by conserving HCO3- (bicarbonate) and the body trying to increase the plasma to match the increase in PCO2 and to maintain the PCO2/HCO3 ratio. Treatments are designed for the secondary disease. Bronchodilator drugs which dilate the bronchi and bronchioles and decreasing resistance in the respiratory airway or oxygen therapy, increasing the flow of air to the lungs. A CPAP machine, oxygen, and cease smoking. Respiratory alkalosis (hyperventilation) is caused by a drop in systemic arterial blood falls below 35 mmHg (millimeter of mercury) and a deviation of pH above the normal value of 7.4 and an elevation in the frequency of alveolar ventilation with tidal volume that results in an increase in minute ventilation. The increase in ventilation leads to the excretion of CO2 at a rate higher than that of cellular CO2 production. Head injury, anxiety, and stroke are all causes. The compensatory mechanism is when the kidneys compensate by increasing the excretion rate of HCO3-(bicarbonate). The rapid cell buffering and a decrease in net renal acid excretion are responsible for this compensation. Renal response is usually not enough to fully restore the blood pH to 7.4. Treatment is usually not needed unless the pH level is greater than 7.5. If needed, some include breathing through the mouth, breathing into a paper sack, and attempting to stay calm. Metabolic acidosis is an acid based disorder characterized by the systemic arterial blood level drops below 22 mEq/liter (milliequivalents per litre) leading to …show more content…
The elevation in bicarbonate ions is due to an addition in alkali to the body which it cannot be excreted by the kidney. Metabolic alkalosis is always associated with renal impairment of some kind due to the kidneys vast capacity in excreting excess alkali. Loss of acid from the body as occurs in vomiting include metabolic alkalosis is equivalent to adding alkali to the body. (Angus MD, 2006). Excessive loss of acid from the blood, low carbon dioxide levels, and high bicarbonate levels in the blood are all causes of metabolic alkalosis. The compensatory mechanism is when the respiratory system decreases ventilation which decreases the rate at which CO2 (carbon dioxide) is expelled out of the body. This response is not usually enough to fully return the blood pH to 7.4. Elevation in PCO2 is accomplished by lowering alveolar ventilation and regulate oxygen levels. The development of alkalemia is sensed by central (medullary neurons) and peripheral chemoreceptors (carotid and aortic bodies), resulting in a reduction in the rate of ventilation and a reduction in tidal volume and this increases the pCO2 elevations. This happens rapidly following the onset of metabolic alkalois. If it is for a chemical loss, medication and/or supplements are used to replace the chemicals. If it is for an