Final answer:
During the acute phase of an acid-base imbalance, the nurse should include a physician or intensivist, respiratory therapist, and potentially a renal specialist or nephrologist in the collaborative care conference. These team members will collaborate in evaluating lab tests for pH, pCO2, and HCO3 to diagnose and manage acidosis or alkalosis and determine if the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic.
Step-by-step explanation:
The healthcare team members that should be included during the acute phase of an acid-base imbalance are the nurse, physician or intensivist, a respiratory therapist, and potentially a renal specialist or nephrologist. This team is responsible for the thorough review of lab tests for pH, CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), and bicarbonate (HCO3). These tests are critical for identifying whether the patient is experiencing acidosis or alkalosis and determining if the imbalance is respiratory or metabolic. Additionally, the extent to which compensatory mechanisms are working should be evaluated to tailor the treatment approach effectively. It is also imperative to discuss the key concerns for the patient's recovery and care, similar to the process where a surgeon, nurse, and anesthesia professional might review a patient's status aloud. Given that the respiratory system typically compensates for metabolic acid-base imbalances often resulting from kidney disease, a respiratory therapist is a vital member of the team. Conversely, the kidneys often compensate for respiratory-originated issues. Therefore, a renal specialist might be necessary when dealing with metabolic/renal origins of acid-base imbalances.