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Nurse Roberto is aware that a client who has experienced cardiac arrest is MOST at risk for which of the following imbalances?

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

Rationale: When a client experiences cardiac arrest, their breathing may become insufficient, leading to inadequate elimination of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body. With reduced CO2 elimination, the level of CO2 in the bloodstream increases, causing respiratory acidosis. This imbalance is characterized by a decrease in blood pH along with an increase in CO2 levels in the blood, resulting in an acidic environment. Respiratory acidosis is the most common imbalance seen in clients who have experienced cardiac arrest, as impaired gas exchange impacts the body's ability to maintain proper acid-base balance.