Word parts
What it means
When a person breathes too fast or too deeply, more carbon dioxide (an acid) leaves the body than normal, so the blood's pH rises. On an arterial blood gasar-TEER-ee-ul BLUD GASA blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.Full entry , the pH is above 7.45 and the PaCO2 is below 35 mm Hg. Over hours to days the kidneys try to correct it by getting rid of bicarbonate. It can cause lightheadedness, tingling of the fingers and around the mouth, and muscle cramps.
For the nurse
Look for the reason for the fast breathing, such as anxiety, pain, fever, low oxygen or a pulmonary embolism, and treat that. Coach a client who is anxious to breathe slowly with you.
Remember it
ROME: Respiratory Opposite (pH up, PaCO2 down), Metabolic Equal.
At a glance
| Spanish | alcalosis respiratoria |
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Related terms
-osis
A word ending that means an abnormal condition or process, or an increase.
arterial blood gas
A blood test from an artery that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and the blood's pH.
hyperventilation
Breathing faster or deeper than the body needs, so too much carbon dioxide is breathed out.
acid-base balance
The body's control of how acidic or alkaline the blood is, keeping its pH in a narrow normal range.