Question

I am having problems with the depth of my knowledge of the factors contributing to severe hypoxia and acidosis in a prolonged asthmatic attack.

can you help? I am in advanced patho phsy nursing

Answer 1

Asthma is a common illness throught the world that affects the respiratory system ffunctions, ie, A systemwhose operational adequeacy determines the respiratory gases exchange. It is there for expected that accute severe asthma will be assocciated with respiratory acid base disorders. In addiction the resulting hypoxemia along with the circulatory compromise due to heart lung interactions can reduce tissue oxygenation with perticular impact on respiratory muscles, that have increased energy needs due to increased workload, thus, anaerobic metabolism may ensure leading to lactic acidosis. Additonally, chronic hypocapnia in asthma can cause a compensatory drop in plasma bicarbonate concentration resulting in non anion gap acidosis, Indeed, studies have shown that in acute severe asthma metabolic acid base disorder may occur.