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

Rationale: In a severe asthma attack, the child is likely to develop respiratory acidosis. This occurs due to impaired respirations, leading to the retention of carbon dioxide and the formation of carbonic acid. Choice A is incorrect as metabolic alkalosis is not expected in this situation. Choice B is incorrect as respiratory alkalosis does not align with the scenario of impaired respirations in severe asthma attacks. Choice D is also incorrect as it describes metabolic acidosis, which is not typically associated with severe asthma attacks.