A client who is experiencing respiratory distress is admitted with respiratory acidosis.

Which pathophysiological process supports the client's respiratory acidosis?

Choice A rationale:

Maintains airway patency: Leaving the old ties in place until the new ones are secure ensures that the tracheostomy tube remains in the correct position and prevents accidental decannulation, which could obstruct the airway and lead to respiratory distress or arrest. This is the most important priority in tracheostomy care.

Prevents tube displacement: Accidental decannulation can occur during tie changes, especially in patients with copious secretions or who are restless or agitated. Keeping the old ties in place acts as a safety measure to keep the tube in position even if the new ties are not immediately secured.

Allows for adjustments: If the new ties are not tied correctly or are too tight, the old ties can be loosened or removed to make adjustments without compromising the airway.

Minimizes anxiety: Leaving the old ties in place can help to reduce anxiety in patients who are apprehensive about the tie- changing process, as it provides a sense of security and ensures that the tube will not be dislodged.

Choice B rationale:

Increases risk of skin irritation: Knots tied close to the tube can rub against the skin, causing irritation, discomfort, and potential skin breakdown, especially in patients with sensitive skin or who have copious secretions.

Impinges on blood flow: Tight knots can also constrict blood vessels, potentially impairing circulation to the skin around the tracheostomy site.

Difficult to remove in emergencies: Knots tied too close to the tube can be challenging to untie quickly in case of an emergency, such as accidental decannulation or the need to suction secretions.

Choice C rationale:

Not appropriate for all patients: Disposable, soft foam collars with self-adhesive fastening may not be suitable for patients with copious secretions, as the adhesive may not adhere well to moist skin.

May not provide adequate support: These collars may not provide the same level of support as traditional tracheostomy ties, especially in patients with active neck movement or who are at risk of accidental decannulation.

Potential for skin irritation: The adhesive on the collar can also irritate the skin around the tracheostomy site in some patients.

Choice D rationale:

May not prevent irritation: Placing knots laterally may not completely eliminate the risk of skin irritation, as the ties can still rub against the skin with neck movement or when the patient is lying down.

Could lead to accidental loosening: Knots tied laterally may be more prone to accidental loosening, especially if the patient is restless or agitated.

Choice A rationale:

Autoimmune responses occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. They are not typically triggered by allergens like bee stings.

Autoimmune responses often develop slowly over time and present with symptoms related to the specific tissues being attacked.

The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, along with the specific symptoms of rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are not characteristic of an autoimmune response.

Choice B rationale:

Type II hypersensitivity reactions involve antibodies that target and destroy cells or tissues. These reactions often take hours or days to develop, rather than minutes.

Examples of type II hypersensitivity reactions include transfusion reactions, hemolytic disease of the newborn, and some autoimmune diseases.

The rapid onset of symptoms in this case is not consistent with a type II hypersensitivity reaction.

Choice C rationale:

Cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions involve T cells that directly attack cells or tissues. These reactions typically take 1-3 days to develop.

Examples of cell-mediated hypersensitivity reactions include contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy), graft-versus-host disease, and some drug reactions.

The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, as well as the specific symptoms of rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are not characteristic of a cell-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.

Choice D rationale:

IgE response hypersensitivity reactions are the most immediate type of allergic reaction.

They are mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which bind to mast cells and basophils.

When an allergen (like bee venom) cross-links IgE antibodies on mast cells, it triggers the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

These mediators cause vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, smooth muscle contraction, and mucus secretion, leading to the characteristic symptoms of an allergic reaction.

The rapid onset of symptoms in this case, including rash, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure, are consistent with an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction.