A nurse is caring for a client who has pneumonia and has been receiving oxygen therapy for several days.
Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of an adverse effect of oxygen therapy?

Choice A rationale:

Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the blood aren’t balanced, often due to hyperventilation. Dry skin is not listed as a common symptom of this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Diarrhea is not a common symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as dizziness, numbness, confusion, and shortness of breath. Diarrhea is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues rather than respiratory conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Abdominal pain is not a typical symptom of respiratory alkalosis. The condition is usually caused by over-breathing

(hyperventilation) that occurs when you breathe very deeply or rapidly. Abdominal pain is not listed as a common symptom of this condition.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperventilation is typically the underlying cause of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation, also known as overbreathing, occurs when someone breathes very deeply or rapidly. This can cause the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood to drop too low, leading to respiratory alkalosis. Therefore, a nurse assessing a client who has respiratory alkalosis should expect to find signs of hyperventilation.

Choice A rationale:

Wheezing Wheezing is typically associated with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), rather than being a symptom of hyperkalemia.

Choice B rationale:

Cerebral edema Cerebral edema, or swelling in the brain, is not typically a symptom of hyperkalemia. It’s more commonly associated with traumatic brain injury, stroke, or brain tumors.

Choice C rationale:

Decreased deep tendon reflexes Decreased deep tendon reflexes can be a symptom of hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the potassium levels in your blood get too high. Potassium helps nerves send signals between your brain and the rest of your body. High levels of potassium can affect nerve function, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness or decreased reflexes. Choice D rationale:

Hypoactive bowel sounds Hypoactive bowel sounds, or decreased or absent bowel sounds, are typically associated with conditions affecting the gastrointestinal system, such as ileus or bowel obstruction. They are not typically a symptom of hyperkalemia.