A nurse is reinforcing preoperative teaching with a client who will undergo abdominal surgery. The nurse explains that the client will wear antiembolism stockings after the procedure. When the client asks what the stockings do, which of the following responses should the nurse make?

A. A critical pathway for clients who have had a stroke:
Critical pathways are structured multidisciplinary care plans that outline essential steps in the care of patients with specific conditions. While critical pathways are valuable tools for standardized care, they are not specifically focused on health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

B. Standards of care for monitoring clients who have a history of blood pressure elevation:
Standards of care typically outline the minimum level of care that should be provided to clients based on evidence-based practice. While monitoring clients with a history of blood pressure elevation is important, it does not encompass the comprehensive health promotion activities related to hypertension.

C. Acute care facility protocols for clients experiencing an abrupt change in mental status:
Acute care facility protocols are designed to guide the management of acute changes in a patient's condition. While relevant to patient care, these protocols do not specifically address health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

D. Clinical practice guidelines for the management of high blood pressure:
Clinical practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the management of specific health conditions. They typically include information on health promotion activities, risk factor modification, lifestyle interventions, and pharmacological management for clients with hypertension. Therefore, clinical practice guidelines are the most appropriate resource for information on health promotion activities for clients with hypertension.

Answer: C. Respiratory acidosis

Rationale:

A) Metabolic acidosis: This occurs when there is an excess of acid in the body or a loss of bicarbonate, often due to conditions such as renal failure or severe diarrhea. In chronic bronchitis, the primary issue is related to respiratory function rather than metabolic disturbances.

B) Respiratory alkalosis: This condition results from hyperventilation, leading to excessive loss of carbon dioxide. It is unlikely in a client with chronic bronchitis, who typically experiences difficulty in exhaling fully rather than hyperventilating.

C) Respiratory acidosis: In chronic bronchitis, airflow obstruction and reduced gas exchange can lead to carbon dioxide retention, resulting in respiratory acidosis. Symptoms like dyspnea and increased work of breathing support this imbalance, as the body is unable to adequately expel carbon dioxide.

D) Metabolic alkalosis: This imbalance results from excessive bicarbonate or loss of hydrogen ions, often related to prolonged vomiting or diuretics. It is not characteristic of chronic bronchitis, where the primary concern is respiratory function rather than metabolic processes.