RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023 Related

Review RN Medical/Surgical NGN HESI 2023 related questions and content

A client with a history of lung disease is at risk for respiratory acidosis. For which of the following signs and symptoms does the nurse assess this client?

  • A. Disorientation and dyspnea
  • B. Drowsiness, headache, and tachypnea
  • C. Tachypnea, dizziness, and paresthesias
  • D. Dysrhythmias and decreased respiratory rate and depth
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Disorientation and dyspnea. In respiratory acidosis, the retention of carbon dioxide leads to an increase in carbonic acid, causing the pH of the blood to decrease. This can result in symptoms such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing) due to hypoxia and disorientation due to the effects of hypercapnia (elevated carbon dioxide levels) on the brain. Choice B is incorrect because while drowsiness and tachypnea can be present in respiratory acidosis, headache is not a common symptom. Choice C is incorrect because dizziness and paresthesias are not typical symptoms of respiratory acidosis. Choice D is incorrect because dysrhythmias and a decreased respiratory rate and depth are more commonly associated with respiratory alkalosis, not respiratory acidosis.