Which of the following interventions can be provided to a patient with respiratory alkalosis to correct CO2 loss?

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AIIMS NORCET 8 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2025

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Answer 1

Correct Answer: Provide a carbon dioxide breathe or breathing in a paper bag as ordered

Rationale:

Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, often due to hyperventilation. This leads to an imbalance in the blood's pH, making it more alkaline (higher than normal pH levels).
Breathing into a paper bag helps the patient re-inhale the exhaled CO2, increasing the levels of CO2 in the blood, which helps restore the acid-base balance. This intervention is particularly useful in cases of acute respiratory alkalosis caused by anxiety or panic attacks.
The carbon dioxide breathed into the paper bag can effectively counteract the excessive loss of CO2 and alleviate symptoms like dizziness, tingling, or confusion caused by respiratory alkalosis.

Additional Information:

It is important to ensure that the patient does not overuse this method, as excessive CO2 rebreathing can lead to hypoxia (low oxygen levels). Monitoring the patient’s condition while they use the paper bag is essential.
This intervention is typically recommended for patients experiencing respiratory alkalosis due to anxiety or hyperventilation and may not be suitable for other underlying causes, such as sepsis or central nervous system disorders.
Always follow healthcare provider orders and assess the patient's overall condition before using this technique.

Explanation of Other Options:

Administer IV fluids to reduce hyperventilation

Rationale: Administering IV fluids does not directly reduce hyperventilation or address the loss of CO2. IV fluids are generally used to correct dehydration or electrolyte imbalances, not respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation.

Encourage the patient to increase physical activity

Rationale: Increasing physical activity is not an appropriate intervention for respiratory alkalosis. Physical activity could exacerbate the hyperventilation and further decrease CO2 levels in the blood.

Apply cold compresses to the patient’s head

Rationale: Applying cold compresses to the head does not address the underlying cause of respiratory alkalosis or help correct CO2 loss. It may provide comfort in certain conditions but is not effective in treating respiratory alkalosis.

Conclusion:

Breathing into a paper bag is an effective intervention for respiratory alkalosis caused by hyperventilation, as it helps restore CO2 levels in the blood. Other options do not directly address the underlying mechanism of CO2 loss and are not suitable for correcting respiratory alkalosis.