A nurse is implementing a bladder-training program for a patient.
Which of the following actions by the assistive personnel (AP) assisting with the patient’s care should the nurse intervene?

Choice A rationale:

Numbness in the fingers is not typically a symptom of respiratory acidosis. This condition is characterized by an excess of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the body, which leads to a decrease in the pH of your blood, making it too acidic. Numbness in the fingers could be a symptom of other conditions, such as peripheral neuropathy or Raynaud’s disease.

Choice B rationale:

Abdominal pain is also not a common symptom of respiratory acidosis. While abdominal discomfort can occur in a variety of conditions, it is not directly associated with the acid-base balance disturbance that characterizes respiratory acidosis.

Conditions that commonly cause abdominal pain include gastrointestinal issues like gastritis, appendicitis, or gallstones.

Choice C rationale:

Dry skin is not a symptom of respiratory acidosis. The skin’s condition can be influenced by many factors, including hydration, environmental conditions, and certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis. Respiratory acidosis, on the other hand, is a condition that affects the acid-base balance in the body due to alveolar hypoventilation.

Choice D rationale:

Lethargy is indeed a symptom of respiratory acidosis. This condition occurs when the lungs can’t remove enough CO2, leading to an increase in the acidity of the blood. Symptoms of respiratory acidosis vary according to how long you’ve had the condition and its severity. Initial symptoms can include anxiety, blurred vision, and shortness of breath. If left untreated or in severe cases, symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, delirium, or confusion. Therefore, a nurse assessing a patient with respiratory acidosis should anticipate lethargy among other symptoms.

Choice A rationale:

Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is not typically a symptom of diarrhea. While it’s possible for a person with severe diarrhea to experience chills or feel cold, hypothermia is not a direct result of diarrhea.

Choice B rationale:

A rigid abdomen is often a sign of a serious condition like peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen), but it is not typically associated with diarrhea.

Choice C rationale:

Dehydration is a common complication of diarrhea. When a person has diarrhea, they can lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes quickly, leading to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.

Choice D rationale:

Decreased bowel sounds are not typically associated with diarrhea. In fact, bowel sounds may actually increase in some cases of diarrhea due to increased gut motility.