The nurse is performing post-mortem care on a client who has just died. What nursing care should be given priority?

C. Respect for the deceased person's cultural and religious beliefs is crucial. Care should be provided in a manner that aligns with their customs and traditions. This may involve specific rituals, prayers, or practices depending on the individual's cultural or religious background.
A. While completing documentation on the death certificate is important for legal and administrative purposes, it is not the priority during post-mortem care.
B. While it's essential to handle the deceased person's belongings with care and ensure they are returned to the family, this task can typically wait until after the immediate post-mortem care has been provided. It's not the priority during the initial stages of post-mortem care.
D. This task is important, but it should be carried out after the completion of post-mortem care. Once the deceased person has been respectfully prepared, the next step is to transfer them to the morgue or the designated location.

A. Metabolic alkalosis is characterized by an elevation of the bicarbonate (HCO3) levels in the blood, leading to an increase in pH above the normal range (7.35-7.45). Antacid tablets typically contain compounds such as calcium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, or aluminum hydroxide, which can neutralize stomach acid (hydrochloric acid). Chronic ingestion of large amounts of antacids, as in the case of this client taking approximately 15 tablets per day, can result in excessive bicarbonate intake, leading to metabolic alkalosis.
B. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is a decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, leading to an increase in pH above the normal range. Antacid tablets do not directly affect respiratory function or CO2 levels, so respiratory alkalosis is unlikely to occur as a result of antacid ingestion.
C. Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a decrease in bicarbonate (HCO3) levels in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH below the normal range. In the context of antacid ingestion, metabolic acidosis is less likely to occur. However, if the antacids contain compounds that are absorbed systemically and excreted by the kidneys (such as aluminum-containing antacids), they may lead to renal dysfunction or electrolyte imbalances, which could potentially contribute to metabolic acidosis.
D. Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an increase in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the blood, leading to a decrease in pH below the normal range. Antacid tablets do not directly affect respiratory function or CO2 levels, so respiratory acidosis is unlikely to occur as a result of antacid ingestion.