Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

Review Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam related questions and content

A client with acute respiratory failure (ARF) is being cared for by a nurse. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition?

  • A. Severe dyspnea
  • B. Nausea
  • C. Decreased level of consciousness
  • D. Headache
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nausea. In acute respiratory failure (ARF), the body may compensate by increasing respiratory rate, leading to respiratory alkalosis. This can cause nausea due to the altered pH levels affecting the chemoreceptors in the brain. Severe dyspnea (choice A) is a common symptom of ARF but does not specifically relate to nausea. Decreased level of consciousness (choice C) may indicate severe hypoxemia but is not a direct manifestation of ARF. Headache (choice D) is more commonly associated with conditions like hypoxia, hypercapnia, or respiratory acidosis in ARF.