Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions Related

Review Pediatric CCRN Practice Questions related questions and content

The nurse understands that a patient with status asthmaticus will likely initially evidence symptoms of:

  • A. metabolic acidosis.
  • B. metabolic alkalosis.
  • C. respiratory acidosis.
  • D. respiratory alkalosis.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In status asthmaticus, a severe and prolonged asthma attack can lead to inadequate ventilation due to airway obstruction. This results in retention of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood, leading to respiratory acidosis. As the CO2 levels rise, it combines with water in the blood to form carbonic acid, lowering the blood pH levels. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis can include shortness of breath, confusion, lethargy, and potentially life-threatening complications. Treatment for status asthmaticus aims to improve ventilation and restore normal blood gas levels to alleviate respiratory acidosis.