A nurse is assessing a client for hypoxemia during an asthma attack.
Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

Tenderness, redness, and swelling at the incision site can indicate an infection or transplant rejection, both of which require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Choice B rationale:

Swelling in the lower extremities (edema) can be a sign of fluid retention, which may indicate kidney dysfunction or transplant rejection, necessitating prompt evaluation and intervention.

Choice C rationale:

Elevated blood pressure (180/90 mm Hg) can be a sign of transplant rejection, as the body may be responding to the new organ as a foreign object, leading to increased blood pressure.

The client has respiratory acidosis as indicated by a pH of 7.25 (normal: 7.35-7.45) and elevated pCO2 of 62 mm Hg (normal: 35-45 mm Hg). This condition occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough CO2, leading to its buildup and lowering the blood pH. Immediate interventions like intubation can help manage airway and ventilation. Starting an IV drip of 0.9% sodium chloride can help address dehydration, supporting hemodynamic stability. Monitoring the correct placement of the endotracheal tube ensures effective ventilation. Regular arterial blood gases assessment helps evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and the client's respiratory status.

Prepare the client for intubation: Intubation is essential to secure the airway and provide mechanical ventilation, addressing hypoxia and hypercapnia by improving gas exchange.

Start a 0.9% sodium chloride IV drip: This fluid helps in correcting dehydration, supporting blood pressure, and improving renal perfusion, which is critical in managing acid-base balance.

Correct placement of endotracheal tube: Ensuring the tube is in the correct position guarantees effective ventilation and prevents complications such as aspiration or pneumothorax.

Arterial blood gases: Regular ABG assessments help monitor the effectiveness of ventilation and guide adjustments in therapy, ensuring the client’s acid-base balance is maintained.

Metabolic acidosis is not correct as the primary issue here is a respiratory one, indicated by elevated pCO2 and lower pH.

Respiratory alkalosis is incorrect as it would present with a high pH and low pCO2, unlike the client's findings.

Metabolic alkalosis is ruled out because it would show elevated pH and bicarbonate levels, which is not seen in the client's ABG results.