The nurse is caring for a patient with respiratory alkalosis. Which clinical manifestations will the nurse expect to find?

Choice A reason: Lethargy and hypoxia are not typically associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory alkalosis occurs when there is excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide, leading to a decrease in blood CO2 levels and an increase in pH. Lethargy and hypoxia are more often related to respiratory acidosis, where CO2 accumulates due to hypoventilation.

Choice B reason: Light-headedness and muscle spasms are common clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis. The decrease in carbon dioxide (CO2) levels leads to cerebral vasoconstriction, resulting in light-headedness or dizziness. Additionally, respiratory alkalosis can cause a shift of calcium in the blood, leading to muscle spasms, tingling, and even tetany.

Choice C reason: Hypotension and respiratory depression are not typical findings in respiratory alkalosis. Hypotension can be a symptom of various conditions but is not directly associated with respiratory alkalosis. Respiratory depression is related to hypoventilation and respiratory acidosis, not hyperventilation.

Choice D reason: Muscle twitching and hyperkalaemia are not manifestations of respiratory alkalosis. Hyperkalaemia is more commonly seen in metabolic acidosis and not in respiratory alkalosis. Muscle twitching can occur in various conditions, but respiratory alkalosis typically causes muscle spasms and tetany due to calcium shifts.

Choice A reason: The lab results pH 7.30, PaCO2 59, HCO3 30 indicate respiratory acidosis with partial compensation. This is a typical finding in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to chronic hypoventilation and CO2 retention. The elevated PaCO2 reflects respiratory acidosis, and the elevated HCO3 indicates renal compensation to maintain acid-base balance.

Choice B reason: The lab results pH 7.50, PaCO2 30, HCO3 24 indicate respiratory alkalosis. This is not typical for COPD, where respiratory acidosis is more common.

Choice C reason: The lab results pH 7.48, PaCO2 42, HCO3 29 indicate metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation, which is not consistent with the primary respiratory issues seen in COPD.

Choice D reason: The lab results pH 7.33, PaCO2 34, HCO3 18 indicate metabolic acidosis with partial compensation, which is not typical for COPD. COPD primarily causes respiratory acidosis due to CO2 retention.