A nurse is providing teaching to a group of adult athletes about prevention of the effects of dehydration on the body. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct answer: D

A.Metabolic acidosis occurs due to either increased production of metabolic acids, such as lactic acid in anaerobic metabolism, or decreased excretion of acids, such as in renal failure.Shallow respirations would not directly cause metabolic acidosis. While they may decrease the elimination of CO2, resulting in respiratory acidosis, they do not directly affect metabolic acid-base balance.

B.Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to decreased levels of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood. Shallow respirations would not typically lead to excessive elimination of CO2; instead, they would likely result in CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis rather than respiratory alkalosis.

C.Metabolic alkalosis occurs due to excessive loss of acids or increased levels of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood, often caused by conditions such as vomiting, excessive diuretic use, or excessive bicarbonate intake.Shallow respirations would not directly cause metabolic alkalosis. Again, while they may decrease CO2 elimination and lead to respiratory acidosis, they do not directly affect metabolic acid-base balance.

D.Respiratory acidosis occurs when the lungs cannot remove enough of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by the body. Shallow respirations lead to inadequate elimination of CO2, causing it to accumulate in the bloodstream. This accumulation of CO2 results in an increase in carbonic acid (H2CO3) in the blood, leading to a decrease in blood pH and resulting in respiratory acidosis.

Therefore, the nurse should identify the client as being at risk for developing respiratory acidosis initially due to the shallow respirations of 9/min.

A.Severe hyponatremia can cause nausea and vomiting due to the disturbance in electrolyte balance and the effects on the central nervous system. It is a common symptom associated with low sodium levels.

B.Flushed skin is not typically associated with hyponatremia. This is more commonly seen in conditions such as fever, inflammation, or allergic reactions.

C.Extreme thirst is more associated with hypernatremia (high sodium levels) rather than hyponatremia. In hyponatremia, the client might have a reduced sensation of thirst or might experience symptoms related to fluid overload.

D. Fever is not a direct symptom of hyponatremia. It can be associated with infections or inflammatory conditions, but it is not a typical manifestation of low sodium levels.