A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has hypocalcemia. For which of the following signs should the nurse monitor?

(A) Bradycardia: Bradycardia, or a slower than normal heart rate, is not typically associated with metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis often leads to an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to compensate for the acid-base imbalance.

(B) Hyperventilation: This is the most appropriate answer. Hyperventilation is a common response to metabolic acidosis. The body attempts to compensate for the high acid levels by increasing the rate and depth of breathing to expel more carbon dioxide (which is acidic) and raise the blood pH.

(C) Increased blood pressure: Metabolic acidosis does not typically cause an increase in blood pressure. In fact, severe acidosis can lead to vasodilation and a decrease in blood pressure.

(D) Cool, clammy skin: While cool, clammy skin can be a sign of shock or other serious conditions, it is not a typical manifestation of metabolic acidosis. However, in severe cases, metabolic acidosis can lead to shock, which might present with cool, clammy skin.

(A) Evaluating the collected data: This step involves analyzing the data that has been collected during the research process. However, in this scenario, the nurse is in the process of researching data, which suggests that the data collection phase is still ongoing.

(B) Searching for credible sources: This is the most appropriate answer. The nurse is in the process of researching data about best practices for reducing medication errors. This indicates that the nurse is currently searching for credible sources of information, which is a crucial step in the EBP process.

(C) Implementing recommendations: This step involves applying the findings from the research to practice. However, in this scenario, the nurse is still in the research phase, so implementation has not yet occurred.

(D) Identifying a problem: While identifying a problem is an important step in the EBP process, in this scenario, the problem (medication errors on a surgical unit) has already been identified. The nurse is now in the process of researching data, which suggests that the problem identification step has already been completed.