Chronic Illness NCLEX Questions Related

Review Chronic Illness NCLEX Questions related questions and content

A client suffering from a narcotic overdose is seen in the Emergency Department. The client is confused, with warm, flushed skin, headache, and weakness. Vital signs of noted are temperature 102.6 F, heart rate 128 beats/minute, respirations 24 breaths/minute, and blood pressure 130/86 mm Hg. A blood gas analysis sample was drawn on room air, and the results are as follows: pH 7.33 PaCO2 53 mm Hg, PaO2 72 mm Hg, HCO3 24 mEq/L. This client is at risk for which of the following?

  • A. Metabolic alkalosis
  • B. Respiratory alkalosis
  • C. Respiratory acidosis
  • D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Narcotics depress breathing pH 7.33 (low), PaCO2 53 mm Hg (high) signal respiratory acidosis, as CO2 piles up from hypoventilation, a classic overdose trap. PaO2 72 mm Hg shows mild hypoxia; HCO3 24 mEq/L hasn't compensated yet. Alkalosis needs low CO2 or high HCO3; metabolic acidosis drops HCO3. Nurses spot this, anticipating oxygen or reversal, a breath-stifled risk in this opioid haze.