A nurse assesses a diabetic client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance. The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.39, PaCO2 27 mm Hg, and HCO3 19 mEq/L. Which sign or symptom does the nurse identify as an example of the client's compensatory mechanisms?

A. Assessing the airway is always a priority in any client care situation, especially when there are respiratory abnormalities such as respiratory acidosis. Ensuring a patent airway is crucial to maintain adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
B. Bronchodilators are typically used to treat conditions such as bronchoconstriction in asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, in the context of respiratory acidosis with an elevated PaCO2, the primary issue is not bronchoconstriction but rather impaired gas exchange due to inadequate ventilation.
C. Mucolytics are medications used to thin mucus and facilitate its removal from the respiratory tract. While they can be beneficial in conditions with thick secretions, they do not address the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis, which is inadequate CO2 elimination.
D. Providing oxygen can help improve oxygenation in clients with respiratory acidosis. However, it is important to note that oxygen alone will not correct the underlying cause of respiratory acidosis (elevated PaCO2). Oxygen therapy is supportive and helps to improve oxygen delivery to tissues while other interventions are addressed.

A. Completing an incident report may be necessary if the refusal could potentially impact patient care or if there are policies or procedures in place that require documenting such incidents. It helps to document the details of the refusal and any subsequent actions taken.
B. If the AP refuses to take the specimen, the nurse may need to take responsibility for ensuring the specimen is delivered to the laboratory promptly. This ensures that patient care activities are not delayed and that necessary diagnostic tests are performed in a timely manner.
C. Reporting the refusal to the charge nurse or supervisor is appropriate, especially if there are concerns about the AP's behavior or if it is part of the facility's policy to escalate such incidents. The charge nurse can then address the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.

D. Communicating with the AP to understand their concerns is essential. It allows the nurse to clarify any misunderstandings, address any issues or barriers the AP may have, and potentially resolve the situation collaboratively. It's important to listen to the AP's perspective and provide clarification or reassurance if needed.