Nursing Care of Children Final ATI Related

Review Nursing Care of Children Final ATI related questions and content

Which physiological acid-base balance complication would be most important for the nurse to assess in a patient with diarrhea?

  • A. High serum pH
  • B. Normal serum pH
  • C. Metabolic alkalosis
  • D. Metabolic acidosis
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is metabolic acidosis. Diarrhea can lead to the loss of bicarbonate, causing an imbalance in the acid-base status of the body, specifically resulting in metabolic acidosis. High serum pH (choice A) is incorrect as diarrhea-induced bicarbonate loss would lower pH, not increase it. Normal serum pH (choice B) is not the best answer as diarrhea can disrupt the acid-base balance. Metabolic alkalosis (choice C) is an alkaline state, which is less likely to be caused by diarrhea.