A healthcare professional is caring for four patients. Which patient does the professional assess for pulmonary emboli (PE) as the priority?

A. Hypoventilation causes hypocapnia: Hypoventilation leads to inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (CO₂), resulting in hypercapnia rather than hypocapnia. This occurs because decreased ventilation reduces gas exchange efficiency, allowing CO₂ to accumulate in the blood, which can cause respiratory acidosis.

B. Hypoventilation causes alkalosis: Hypoventilation leads to respiratory acidosis rather than alkalosis. When ventilation is insufficient, CO₂ builds up in the bloodstream, leading to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration and a subsequent drop in blood pH. This is commonly seen in conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), neuromuscular disorders, and opioid overdose.

C. Hyperventilation causes acidosis: Hyperventilation results in excessive elimination of CO₂, leading to a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in blood pH, causing respiratory alkalosis rather than acidosis. Acidosis occurs when CO₂ retention leads to an increase in hydrogen ion concentration, which is the opposite of what happens with hyperventilation.

D. Hyperventilation causes hypocapnia: Hyperventilation leads to an excessive exhalation of CO₂, causing a reduction in blood CO₂ levels (hypocapnia). This can result in respiratory alkalosis, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, tingling sensations, and even syncope. It is often seen in conditions like anxiety, panic attacks, fever, or high-altitude exposure.

A. We will have to drain the pus out of your pleural space: An empyema is characterized by the accumulation of pus in the pleural space, typically due to infection or inflammation. The primary treatment often involves draining the infected fluid to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying infection, making this statement accurate and appropriate for the patient.

B. These blebs in your lungs can rupture with exercise: This statement is not applicable to empyema. Blebs are associated with conditions like pulmonary bullae or emphysema, not empyema. Empyema specifically refers to pus in the pleural space, not blebs in the lungs.

C. You will be given a long course of antiviral medication: Antiviral medication is not typically indicated for empyema, as it is often caused by bacterial infections. Treatment usually involves antibiotics and drainage rather than antiviral therapy.

D. We will watch you for respiratory muscle fatigue: While monitoring for respiratory status is important in any patient with empyema, this statement does not specifically address the nature of empyema or its treatment. The focus should be on managing the infection and drainage of the pleural space.