Quizlet NCLEX PN 2023 Related

Review Quizlet NCLEX PN 2023 related questions and content

In a client with asthma who develops respiratory acidosis, what should the nurse expect the client's serum potassium level to be?

  • A. normal
  • B. elevated
  • C. low
  • D. unrelated to the pH
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In respiratory acidosis, the serum potassium level is expected to be elevated. This occurs because potassium shifts from cells into the bloodstream as a compensatory mechanism to maintain acid-base balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. A normal potassium level is not expected in respiratory acidosis. A low potassium level is more commonly associated with alkalosis, not acidosis. The potassium level is indeed related to pH changes in respiratory acidosis, leading to the expected elevation.