Respiratory System Practice Questions Related

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A nurse plans care for a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) understanding that the client is most likely to experience what type of acid-base imbalance?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Respiratory acidosis. In COPD, the client has impaired gas exchange leading to retention of carbon dioxide, causing respiratory acidosis. This imbalance occurs due to decreased ability to exhale carbon dioxide effectively. Respiratory alkalosis (B) is unlikely as COPD results in CO2 retention. Metabolic acidosis (C) would involve non-respiratory causes. Metabolic alkalosis (D) is not typically associated with COPD. Thus, A is the most likely acid-base imbalance in COPD.