A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is hyperventilating, reports lightheadedness and paresthesias, has blurred vision, and a new onset of confusion. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following imbalances?

Metabolic acidosis

Metabolic alkalosis

Respiratory acidosis

Respiratory alkalosis

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Rationale:
A. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by Kussmaul respirations (deep and rapid breathing), but not typically lightheadedness or paresthesias.
B. Metabolic alkalosis often presents with hypoventilation as the body tries to retain CO₂, not hyperventilation.
C. Respiratory acidosis results from hypoventilation, leading to CO₂ retention, not the excessive breathing seen in this case.
D. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by hyperventilation, which leads to excessive loss of CO₂, resulting in symptoms such as lightheadedness, confusion, paresthesias, and blurred vision — all present in this client.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. A pH of 7.35 and pCO₂ of 42 mmHg are both within normal limits, indicating no acidosis.
B. A pH of 7.50 and pCO₂ of 28 mmHg indicate respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.
C. A pH of 7.40 and pCO₂ of 43 mmHg are normal values, not consistent with acidosis.
D. A pH of 7.25 is acidic, and a pCO₂ of 55 mmHg is elevated, indicating respiratory acidosis, which is expected in a client with emphysema due to CO₂ retention.

A. Kussmaul's respirations B. Decreased blood pressure C. Reduced abdominal distention D. Increased urinary output

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Kussmaul's respirations are deep, rapid breathing that occurs as a respiratory compensation to blow off CO₂ and raise pH during metabolic acidosis.
B. Decreased blood pressure is a clinical sign but not a compensatory mechanism for metabolic acidosis.
C. Reduced abdominal distention is unrelated to acid-base compensation.
D. Increased urinary output may occur but is not the primary compensatory response for metabolic acidosis.

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A nurse is assisting with the admission of a client who is hyperventilating, reports lightheadedness and paresthesias, has blurred vision, and a new onset of confusion. The nurse should suspect that the client has developed which of the following imbalances?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing care for a client with emphysema, The nurse reviews the results of the arterial blood gases and determines the client is experiencing respiratory acidosis. The nurse would expect to find which of the following on the laboratory results?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse can record that the compensatory mechanism for the correction of metabolic acidosis is in effect when the nurse observes?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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