A nurse is caring for a client who is at risk for respiratory alkalosis. Which of the following alterations should the nurse identify as an increased risk for this condition?
Excessive intake of bicarbonate
Acute respiratory distress syndrome
Hyperventilation
Kyphosis
The Correct Answer is C
A. Excessive intake of bicarbonate: Excessive intake of bicarbonate would more lead to metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, not by intake of bicarbonate.
B. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): ARDS generally leads to respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange and retention of carbon dioxide, not respiratory alkalosis.
C. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is the most common cause of respiratory alkalosis. It leads to excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, causing a decrease in blood carbon dioxide levels and an increase in blood pH.
D. Kyphosis: Kyphosis, a spinal deformity, could affect lung expansion but is not a direct cause of respiratory alkalosis. It might lead to other respiratory issues, but it does not primarily increase the risk of alkalosis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Metabolic alkalosis: In metabolic alkalosis, the pH is elevated (above 7.45), and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is increased (above 28 mEq/L). In this scenario, the pH is low (7.12), and HCO3 is low (20 mEq/L), which is not consistent with alkalosis.
B. Metabolic acidosis: In metabolic acidosis, the pH is low (below 7.35), and the bicarbonate (HCO3) is low (below 21 mEq/L), which is consistent with the client's ABG values (pH 7.12, HCO3 20 mEq/L). This suggests the client has metabolic acidosis, which is common in chronic kidney failure due to impaired excretion of acid and decreased bicarbonate.
C. Respiratory acidosis: In respiratory acidosis, the pH is low, and the PaCO2 is elevated (above 45 mm Hg). The PaCO2 in this client is within the normal range (40 mm Hg), making respiratory acidosis unlikely.
D. Respiratory alkalosis: In respiratory alkalosis, the pH would be high, and the PaCO2 would be low (below 35 mm Hg). The client's pH is low (7.12), and the PaCO2 is normal, so respiratory alkalosis is not present.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Excessive intake of bicarbonate: Excessive intake of bicarbonate would more lead to metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is caused by excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, not by intake of bicarbonate.
B. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): ARDS generally leads to respiratory acidosis due to impaired gas exchange and retention of carbon dioxide, not respiratory alkalosis.
C. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation is the most common cause of respiratory alkalosis. It leads to excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, causing a decrease in blood carbon dioxide levels and an increase in blood pH.
D. Kyphosis: Kyphosis, a spinal deformity, could affect lung expansion but is not a direct cause of respiratory alkalosis. It might lead to other respiratory issues, but it does not primarily increase the risk of alkalosis.
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