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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Tingling of the lips:
This is the correct choice. Hypocalcemia, which is low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to neurological symptoms such as tingling sensations around the lips and in the extremities. This occurs due to the effect of low calcium levels on the nervous system.
B) Hypoactive bowel sounds:
Hypocalcemia primarily affects neuromuscular function rather than gastrointestinal function. While calcium imbalances can impact gastrointestinal motility, hypoactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypocalcemia.
C) Skeletal muscle weakness:
Skeletal muscle weakness is a common symptom of hypocalcemia. Low calcium levels affect the ability of muscles to contract effectively, leading to weakness and fatigue.
D) Decreased deep-tendon reflexes:
Hypocalcemia can actually lead to increased deep-tendon reflexes rather than decreased reflexes. Calcium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission, and low levels can result in hyperexcitability of nerves, leading to increased reflexes rather than decreased reflexes.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Respiratory acidosis occurs when there is inadequate removal of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) by the lungs, leading to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia) and a decrease in pH.
In this case, the pH is low (7.22), and the PaCO2 is elevated (68 mm Hg), indicating respiratory acidosis. The pH is below the normal range, suggesting acidemia.
The other ABG values (PaO2, oxygen saturation, and bicarbonate) are within or close to normal limits, which do not support the diagnosis of metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, or metabolic alkalosis.
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