A nurse is reviewing the following ABG results for a postoperative client: pH 7.27, PaCO2 49 mm Hg, PaO2 65 mm Hg, HCO 22 mEq/L. The nurse should interpret the findings as which of the following imbalances?

Practice standards indicateblood should be infused through a 20-gauge or larger catheter to prevent hemolysis [destruction] of red blood cells. Y tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride is used to administer blood products is not necessary.A unit of packed RBCs should be administered over 2 to 4 hours, unless otherwise ordered by the provider, to reduce the risk of fluid overload and transfusion reactions . The client's vital signs should be obtained before, during (15 minutes after starting and every hour thereafter), and after the transfusion to monitor for any signs of adverse reactions.

The correct answer is Choice B.

Choice A rationale: This choice suggests that the provider will prescribe a different medication regimen. However, this is not necessarily the case. Rifampin is a first-line medication for tuberculosis and its side effects, including the discoloration of body fluids, are well-known and expected. Therefore, it is unlikely that the provider would change the medication regimen solely based on this side effect.

Choice B rationale: This is the correct answer. Rifampin, an antibiotic used to treat tuberculosis, can cause a harmless red-orange discoloration of body fluids, including urine, sweat, tears, and saliva. This is an expected side effect of the medication and does not indicate any harm or toxicity. It is important for the nurse to reassure the client that this is a normal occurrence and does not require any changes to the medication regimen.

Choice C rationale: This choice suggests that the red-orange discoloration of the client’s saliva may indicate possible medication toxicity. However, this is not accurate. While rifampin can have serious side effects, including liver damage and severe gastrointestinal upset, the discoloration of body fluids is not a sign of toxicity. It is a harmless side effect of the medication.

Choice D rationale: This choice suggests that the client will need to increase her fluid intake to resolve the problem. However, increasing fluid intake will not change the discoloration caused by rifampin. The discoloration is a result of the medication itself and is not influenced by the client’s hydration status.