A Quick Reference on Respiratory Alkalosis.

The incidence of respiratory acid-base abnormalities in the critical care unit (CCU) is unknown, although respiratory alkalosis is suspected to be common in this population. Abnormal carbon dioxide levels can have many physiologic effects and in specific patient populations, changes in Pco2 has been associated with outcome. Monitoring Pco2 in CCU patients is an important aspect of critical patient assessment and identification of respiratory acid-base abnormalities can be valualbe as a diagnostic tool. Treatment of respiratory alkalosis is largely focused on resolution of the primary disease.