Pediatric Practice Exam HESI Related

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A child has been admitted to the pediatric unit with a severe asthma attack. What type of acid-base imbalance should the nurse expect the child to develop?

  • A. metabolic alkalosis caused by decreased acid metabolites production
  • B. respiratory alkalosis caused by decreased respiratory rate and carbon dioxide retention
  • C. respiratory acidosis caused by impaired respirations and increased carbonic acid formation
  • D. metabolic acidosis caused by the kidneys' inability to compensate for increased carbonic acid production
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis due to impaired respirations leading to the retention of carbon dioxide, which combines with water to form carbonic acid. This results in the pH imbalance characterized by an excess of carbonic acid. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Metabolic alkalosis (Choice A) is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks; respiratory alkalosis (Choice B) would involve a decrease, not an increase, in carbon dioxide levels; and metabolic acidosis (Choice D) is not the primary acid-base imbalance seen in severe asthma attacks.