A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a patient who reports constipation.
Which of the following should the nurse discuss as causes of constipation? (Select all that apply.)

Choice A rationale:

Wheezing is a common symptom of an allergic transfusion reaction. An allergic transfusion reaction occurs when the recipient’s immune system reacts to foreign proteins or allergens in the donor’s blood. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can range from mild to severe, and they typically include skin reactions such as hives and itching, as well as respiratory symptoms like wheezing. In severe cases, the reaction can cause difficulty breathing.

Choice B rationale:

Flank pain is not typically associated with an allergic transfusion reaction. It is more commonly a symptom of conditions affecting the kidneys or urinary tract. While flank pain can occur in a hemolytic transfusion reaction due to the rapid destruction of red blood cells, it is not a symptom of an allergic reaction.

Choice C rationale:

Elevated blood pressure is not a typical symptom of an allergic transfusion reaction. Allergic reactions more commonly cause symptoms such as hives, itching, and respiratory symptoms like wheezing. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can actually lead to a drop in blood pressure.

Choice D rationale:

Distended neck veins are not a typical symptom of an allergic transfusion reaction. They are more commonly associated with conditions that cause increased pressure in the right side of the heart. While distended neck veins can occur in a transfusion reaction due to fluid overload, they are not a symptom of an allergic reaction.

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.