A client is experiencing metabolic acidosis.
The nurse anticipates that the client’s respiratory rate will be:

Furosemide is a loop diuretic that causes the kidneys to excrete more water and salt, which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalance can cause muscle cramps, numbness and tingling, weakness and fatigue, and other symptoms.

Therefore, the client should monitor for these signs and report them to the doctor if they occur.

Choice B is wrong because dry mouth is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of dehydration.

Dehydration can also cause thirst, decreased urination, drowsiness, and confusion.

Choice E is wrong because tachycardia is not a sign of electrolyte imbalance, but rather a sign of hypovolemia (low blood volume) or hypotension (low blood pressure).

Furosemide can lower blood pressure by reducing fluid volume in the body.

Therefore, the client should also monitor their blood pressure and pulse regularly while taking furosemide.

Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which there is excess acid in the body fluids.

It causes rapid breathing, confusion, tiredness, headache, and increased heart rate.

Rapid breathing is a compensatory mechanism that helps to lower the carbon dioxide levels and increase the pH of the blood.

Choice B is wrong because decreased respiratory rate would worsen the acidosis by retaining more carbon dioxide and lowering the pH of the blood.

Choice C is wrong because normal respiratory rate would not be adequate to compensate for the metabolic acidosis and would result in acidemia (low blood pH).

Choice D is wrong because irregular respiratory rate is not a typical response to metabolic acidosis and could indicate other problems such as brain injury or drug overdose.