ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Correct Answers Related

Review ATI RN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Questions Correct Answers related questions and content

A nurse is analyzing the ABG results of a client who is in respiratory acidosis. Which of the following mechanisms should the nurse identify as responsible for this acid-base imbalance?

  • A. Retention of carbon dioxide
  • B. Loss of bicarbonate
  • C. Excessive vomiting
  • D. Hyperventilation
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Retention of carbon dioxide. In respiratory acidosis, there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the bloodstream due to inadequate ventilation. This leads to increased levels of carbonic acid, causing the blood pH to decrease. The nurse should identify this mechanism as responsible for the acid-base imbalance.
Loss of bicarbonate (B) would lead to metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. Excessive vomiting (C) would result in metabolic alkalosis. Hyperventilation (D) would actually help correct respiratory acidosis by blowing off excess carbon dioxide.