A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new onset of genital herpes. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Reason:

Decreasing leg strength is a common symptom of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and indicates the progression of muscle weakness. While it is concerning and should be monitored, it is not as immediately critical as respiratory complications.

Choice B Reason:

Decreasing voice volume can indicate involvement of the cranial nerves and potential respiratory muscle weakness, which can lead to respiratory failure. This is an urgent finding that requires immediate attention to prevent respiratory complications.

Choice C Reason:

Decreased deep tendon reflexes are a hallmark of GBS and are expected in the progression of the disease. While they should be documented and monitored, they do not require immediate reporting unless accompanied by other critical symptoms.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased sensation in the arms is another common symptom of GBS due to peripheral nerve involvement. It should be monitored, but it is not as urgent as signs of respiratory compromise.

Choice A Reason:

Respiratory acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and an elevated PaCO₂ (above 45 mm Hg). This condition occurs when there is an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood due to hypoventilation or impaired lung function. In this case, the client’s pH is elevated, and PaCO₂ is low, which does not align with respiratory acidosis.

Choice B Reason:

Respiratory alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (above 7.45) and a low PaCO₂ (below 35 mm Hg). This condition results from hyperventilation, which causes excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide. The client’s ABG results show a pH of 7.50 and a PaCO₂ of 29 mm Hg, consistent with respiratory alkalosis.

Choice C Reason:

Metabolic acidosis is characterized by a low pH (below 7.35) and a low HCO₃ (below 21 mEq/L). This condition occurs due to an accumulation of acids or a loss of bicarbonate in the body. The client’s pH is elevated, and HCO₃ is within the normal range, which does not indicate metabolic acidosis.

Choice D Reason:

Metabolic alkalosis is indicated by a high pH (above 7.45) and a high HCO₃ (above 28 mEq/L). This condition results from an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acids. The client’s pH is elevated, but HCO₃ is within the normal range, which does not support a diagnosis of metabolic alkalosis.