The following arterial blood gas results would demonstrate to the nurse that the client is experiencing which acid-base imbalance? pH 7.31 PaCO2 40, HCO3 18, pa02 92

A. Isotonic solutions have a similar osmolarity to that of blood plasma, meaning they exert the same osmotic pressure as blood. This equilibrium prevents the movement of water across cell membranes, thereby maintaining cell volume and preventing cellular dehydration or swelling. Examples of isotonic solutions commonly used for intravenous fluid replacement include 0.9% saline (normal saline) and lactated Ringer's solution.
B. Hypotonic solutions have a lower osmolarity than blood plasma, meaning they exert less osmotic pressure than blood. When administered, hypotonic solutions cause water to move into cells, leading to cellular swelling. While hypotonic solutions can help hydrate cells and replenish intracellular fluid, they are not typically used for rapid volume replacement because they can exacerbate extracellular fluid deficits and cause complications such as cerebral edema or cardiovascular collapse.
C. Hypertonic solutions have a higher osmolarity than blood plasma, meaning they exert greater osmotic pressure than blood. When administered, hypertonic solutions cause water to move out of cells, leading to cellular shrinkage. Hypertonic solutions are often used to expand intravascular volume in cases of severe hypovolemia or shock, as they rapidly increase blood osmolarity and draw fluid from the interstitial space into the bloodstream. Examples of hypertonic solutions include 3% saline and 5% dextrose in 0.9% saline.
D. Hyperosmotic solutions have an elevated osmolarity compared to blood plasma, indicating a higher concentration of solutes. These solutions exert osmotic pressure that draws water out of cells, leading to cellular dehydration. While hyperosmotic solutions are not commonly used for rapid volume replacement due to their pot

C. Assisting the client in slowed breathing techniques is the most appropriate initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Slowed breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing or diaphragmatic breathing, can help normalize respiratory rate and depth, thereby correcting the respiratory alkalosis. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and deeply can help reduce the respiratory rate and restore a more balanced acid-base status.
A. Administering a sedative may not be the initial intervention for a client experiencing hyperventilation due to acute psychological stress. Sedatives can depress the respiratory drive further and may exacerbate respiratory alkalosis. Additionally, administering sedatives should be based on a comprehensive assessment and medical prescription, rather than as a first-line intervention for hyperventilation.
B. While hyperventilation can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling seizure activity (such as muscle twitching or numbness), assessing for seizure activity is not typically the initial intervention for respiratory alkalosis. In the context of acute psychological stress causing hyperventilation, addressing the hyperventilation itself is the priority.
D. While monitoring vital signs, including blood pressure, is important in assessing the client's overall condition, it is not the initial intervention specifically for addressing respiratory alkalosis due to hyperventilation. The priority in this situation is to address the hyperventilation itself through appropriate breathing techniques.