A nurse is collecting data from a client who has pneumonia and is experiencing acute respiratory acidosis. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect to find?
Circumoral numbness and tingling
Muscle flaccidity
Decreased level of consciousness
Cool, clammy skin
The Correct Answer is C
Acute respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate excretion of carbon dioxide due to respiratory dysfunction, leading to an increase in carbon dioxide levels (hypercapnia) and subsequent acidosis (decrease in pH).
Manifestations of acute respiratory acidosis include:
A. Circumoral numbness and tingling - This is associated with respiratory alkalosis, not acidosis. B. Muscle flaccidity - This is more commonly seen in hyperkalemia or conditions affecting neuromuscular transmission. C. Decreased level of consciousness - This is a key manifestation of acute respiratory acidosis due to the effects of hypercapnia on the central nervous system. D. Cool, clammy skin - This is not typically associated with acute respiratory acidosis; instead, it might be seen in shock or hypoperfusion states.
Therefore, the nurse should expect to find a decreased level of consciousness in a client experiencing acute respiratory acidosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Data collection:
Data collection is the initial step of the nursing process where the nurse gathers information about the client's health status, including physical, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual factors. While data collection is essential for planning, in this scenario, the nurse is already involved in the collaborative process of preparing a discharge plan, indicating the phase of planning.
B. Planning:
Planning involves developing a comprehensive plan of care based on the assessment data collected. It includes setting priorities, establishing goals, identifying interventions, and coordinating resources to meet the client's needs. In this scenario, the nurse, social worker, and physical therapist are working together to plan the client's discharge, which involves determining the appropriate support, resources, and interventions needed for a successful transition.
C. Evaluation:
Evaluation occurs after implementation, where the nurse assesses the client's response to the interventions implemented and determines whether the goals and outcomes have been achieved. While evaluation is an essential part of the nursing process, it occurs after planning and implementation.
D. Implementation:
Implementation involves carrying out the plan of care developed during the planning phase. It includes initiating interventions, providing treatments, and coordinating care to meet the client's needs. In this scenario, the nurse, social worker, and physical therapist are in the process of developing the discharge plan, which precedes implementation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Dry skin:
Dry skin is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Instead, it may occur in conditions such as dehydration or impaired skin integrity.
B. Diarrhea:
Diarrhea is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis primarily involves changes in the respiratory system, leading to alterations in blood pH and carbon dioxide levels.
C. Hyperventilation:
Hyperventilation is a characteristic finding in respiratory alkalosis. It is a compensatory mechanism where the client breathes rapidly and deeply to blow off excess carbon dioxide, attempting to restore acid-base balance.
D. Abdominal pain:
Abdominal pain is not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. While some individuals with respiratory alkalosis may experience symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or tingling sensations, abdominal pain is not a common manifestation of this acid-base imbalance.
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