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. Kidneys are the slowest to respond, so this order is incorrect.
B. Kidneys are slower than lungs, so this order is incorrect.
C. Lungs respond faster than kidneys but slower than chemical buffers, so this order is incorrect.
D. Chemical buffers act immediately to neutralize pH changes (first line), lungs adjust CO₂ levels within minutes (second line), and kidneys regulate acid-base balance over hours to days (third line), making this the correct order.

A. Respiratory alkalosis B. Metabolic acidosis C. Metabolic alkalosis D. Respiratory acidosis

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale:
A. Respiratory alkalosis results from hyperventilation, which is unlikely with opioid overdose.
B. Metabolic acidosis can occur from other causes but is not the primary imbalance here.
C. Metabolic alkalosis is not associated with opioid overdose.
D. Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation caused by opioid-induced respiratory depression, leading to CO₂ retention and decreased pH.

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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

Three body systems work at different speeds to keep the pH in the narrow range of normal, The order of effectiveness for these three systems is:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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