A nurse is caring for a client who has metabolic alkalosis. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A reason: Dry skin is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis is a condition where the blood pH is too high due to excessive loss of carbon dioxide through rapid breathing. Dry skin can be caused by dehydration, cold weather, or skin conditions.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Diarrhea is a condition where the stool is loose and watery due to increased intestinal motility or infection. Diarrhea can cause metabolic acidosis, which is a condition where the blood pH is too low due to excessive loss of bicarbonate.

Choice C reason: Abdominal pain is not a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Abdominal pain is a symptom that can have many causes, such as gastritis, appendicitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Abdominal pain can also cause hyperventilation due to anxiety or discomfort, but it is not a direct result of respiratory alkalosis.

Choice D reason: Hyperventilation is a sign of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is a condition where the breathing rate is faster than normal, causing excess carbon dioxide to be expelled from the lungs. This lowers the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, which increases the blood pH and causes alkalosis. Hyperventilation can be caused by anxiety, fever, pain, or lung diseases.

Choice A reason: Flank pain is not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Flank pain is a pain in the side of the abdomen or back, usually caused by kidney problems, such as infection, stones, or injury. Flank pain can be a sign of a hemolytic transfusion reaction, which is a serious complication that occurs when the donor blood is incompatible with the recipient's blood type.

Choice B reason: Elevated blood pressure is not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Elevated blood pressure is a condition where the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high, which can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Elevated blood pressure can be a sign of a hypertensive transfusion reaction, which is a rare complication that occurs when the donor blood has a higher sodium level than the recipient's blood.

Choice C reason: Distended neck veins are not a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Distended neck veins are a sign of increased pressure in the right side of the heart or the superior vena cava, which can be caused by heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, or obstruction. Distended neck veins can be a sign of a circulatory overload transfusion reaction, which is a complication that occurs when the blood volume or rate of infusion is too high for the recipient's cardiovascular system.

Choice D reason: Wheezing is a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that occurs when the airways are narrowed or inflamed, which can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, or chest tightness. Wheezing can be a sign of an allergic transfusion reaction, which is a hypersensitivity response to the donor blood or its components, such as plasma proteins, antibodies, or preservatives. An allergic transfusion reaction can range from mild to severe, and can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.