A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who is placed on supplemental oxygen for hypoxia. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings indicate the intervention was effective?

Choice A reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as dehydration, eczema, or hypothyroidism.

Choice B reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.

Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. It can be caused by other conditions such as infection, inflammation, or food intolerance.

Choice D reason: Numbness of fingers is a sign of respiratory alkalosis, as it indicates a low level of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia). Hypocalcemia can result from the alkalosis, as it causes the calcium to bind to proteins and become less available. Numbness of fingers can also affect the toes and lips.

Choice A: Iron supplements are used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, but they can also reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and make the stools harder and drier¹². This can lead to difficulty in passing stools and increased straining.
Choice B: Magnesium-containing antacids are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but they can also have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea¹³. This is because magnesium draws water into the intestines and stimulates bowel movements.
Choice C: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt the normal flora of the gut and cause diarrhea¹⁴. This is because antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria that help digest food and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and infection.
Choice D: Anticholinergics/antispasmodics are used to treat overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions that involve muscle spasms in the gut, but they can also slow down the movement of the intestines and relax the muscles that help push the stools out¹ . This can lead to reduced frequency and difficulty in defecation.
Choice E: Opioid narcotics are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also block the signals from the brain to the gut and inhibit the contraction of the intestinal muscles¹ . This can lead to decreased bowel activity and accumulation of hard and dry stools.