Critical Care Nursing Practice Questions Related

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A patient is being mechanically ventilated in the synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode at a rate of 4 breaths/min. Spontaneous reabsiprbi.rcaotmio/tensst are 12 breaths/min. After receiving a dose of morphine sulfate, respirations decrease to 4 breaths/min. Which acid-base disturbance will likely occur?

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

Rationale: The correct answer is D (Respiratory alkalosis). Morphine sulfate can cause respiratory depression, leading to decreased respiratory rate. In this case, the patient's breaths decrease from 12 to 4 breaths/min, indicating hypoventilation. With decreased ventilation, there is less CO2 elimination, resulting in respiratory alkalosis. The other choices can be ruled out: A (Metabolic acidosis) and B (Metabolic alkalosis) are less likely caused by morphine sulfate, and C (Respiratory acidosis) is incorrect because the scenario describes hypoventilation, not hyperventilation.