ATI Pediatric Proctored Exam Related

Review ATI Pediatric Proctored Exam related questions and content

As a result of opioid administration, a child's respirations are slow and shallow. Which should the nurse anticipate when assessing the child's arterial blood gas?

  • A. Increased PCO2 and respiratory acidosis
  • B. Decreased PCO2 and respiratory alkalosis
  • C. Low pH and low PCO2
  • D. High pH and high PCO2
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a child's respirations are slow and shallow due to opioid administration, it results in hypoventilation. This leads to retaining carbon dioxide, indicated by an increased PCO2 level on arterial blood gas analysis, and subsequently causes respiratory acidosis due to the buildup of CO2 in the blood.