Which laboratory value will the nurse check immediately when a client with metabolic alkalosis develops a positive Chvostek sign?

A. They become acidic: Acidity is defined by a higher concentration of hydrogen ions (H+), so a decreased concentration of hydrogen ions would not lead to acidity. Acidic fluids have a higher H+ concentration, not a lower one.

B. They become alkaline: A decreased concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) leads to an increase in pH, making the fluids more alkaline. Alkaline conditions are characterized by a lower H+ concentration, resulting in a higher pH level.

C. Carbon ions are retained: Carbon ions do not directly relate to the concentration of hydrogen ions in body fluids. The primary ions involved in acid-base balance are hydrogen ions and bicarbonate ions, not carbon ions.

D. Oxygen ions are released into the blood: Oxygen ions do not have a direct relationship with the concentration of hydrogen ions in the body. The release of oxygen into the blood is related to respiratory function and hemoglobin, not hydrogen ion concentration.

A. Decreased CO2: Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide (CO2), not a decrease. Decreased CO2 would lead to respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.

B. Overproduction of hydrogen ions: While the overproduction of hydrogen ions can lead to acidosis, this is typically seen in metabolic acidosis, not respiratory acidosis. In respiratory acidosis, the issue is related to CO2 retention, not hydrogen ion production.

C. Hyperventilation: Hyperventilation leads to the exhalation of excessive CO2, which would decrease CO2 levels in the blood. This results in respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis.

D. Retention of CO2: Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs are unable to exhale enough CO2, leading to its retention in the blood. This increased CO2 concentration causes a decrease in pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis.