Foundations and Adult Health Nursing Study Guide Answers Related

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Nurse Roberto assesses a 32 year old female client who appears very anxious, restless and irritable. The client has marked increase rate and depth of respirations. Based on the information gathered, the client is experiencing which of the following imbalances?

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

Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis. When a person is experiencing respiratory alkalosis, there is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to elevated blood pH. The marked increase in the rate and depth of respirations as well as symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability are characteristic of respiratory alkalosis. This condition can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, or fever, which result in excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to an imbalance in the acid-base status. Treatment for respiratory alkalosis involves addressing the underlying cause, such as providing reassurance to decrease anxiety or managing the breathing pattern to normalize CO2 levels.