Pls be specific Edward goes into cardiac arrest but is revived in three (3) minu
ID: 83079 • Letter: P
Question
Pls be specific
Edward goes into cardiac arrest but is revived in three (3) minutes by the paramedics. They administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct the acidosis that developed during the cardiac arrest. He then begins to exhibit excessive neuromuscular excitability and starts to have seizures. Explain:
a. why his cardiac arrest produced a state of acidosis?
b. why sodium bicarbonate would correct the acidosis?
c. why he developed hypernatremia?
d. and, what could be done next to correct the hypernatremia?
Explanation / Answer
Answer:
Edward goes into cardiac arrest but is revived in three (3) minutes by the paramedics. They administer intravenous sodium bicarbonate to correct the acidosis that developed during the cardiac arrest. He then begins to exhibit excessive neuromuscular excitability and starts to have seizures. Explain:
a. why his cardiac arrest produced a state of acidosis?
Cardiopulmonary arrest causes inadequate ventilation and blood circulation leading to the accumulation or retention of carbon dioxide (CO2). This causes respiratory acidosis. Along with this metabolic acidosis can also occur due to the build up of lactic acid (hyperlactatemia) in the cells.
b. why sodium bicarbonate would correct the acidosis?
Lactic acidosis causes reduction in the concentration of the serum bicarbonate. In Metabolic acidosis also the [HCO3-] levels goes below the normal levels causing a decrease in partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2).Sodium bicarbonate treatment is called as alkali therapy and it helps to maitain the plasma pH greater than 7.2
c. why he developed hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia is a medical condition in which serum sodium levels goes beyond 145 mEq/L (3.10 mg/ml). He developed hypernatremia due to the administration of sodium bicarbonate causing excessive sodium load and hyperosmolality.
d. and, what could be done next to correct the hypernatremia?
Hypernatremia also causes hyperosmolarity. It can be treated by administrating water or 5% dextrose in water. This should be given orally only if a patient is conscious and is capable of swallowing the solution. If the patient is unconscious then it should be given intravenously. The sodium concentration will be reduced due to the administration of this solution and normal levels of osmolarity will be restored.