Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

A client arrives at the urgent care clinic visibly distressed, reporting severe anxiety following a minor vehicle collision. The nurse observes a respiratory rate of 36 breaths per minute. The client states, "I feel dizzy and my fingers are tingling." Based on these assessment findings, which physiological imbalance is the client most likely experiencing?

  1. Respiratory alkalosisAnswer
  2. B
    Respiratory acidosis
  3. C
    Compensatory hypovolemic shock
  4. D
    Acute airway obstruction

Answer

Respiratory alkalosis
The client is exhibiting tachypnea (36 breaths per minute) secondary to severe anxiety, which leads to excessive exhalation of carbon dioxide (CO2). The loss of CO2, an acidic gas, results in a decrease in hydrogen ion concentration and an increase in blood pH, causing respiratory alkalosis. Furthermore, alkalosis causes a temporary decrease in ionized calcium, leading to the classic symptom of tingling in the extremities (paresthesia), while the low CO2 causes cerebral vasoconstriction, resulting in dizziness.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's vital signs and respiratory pattern.
The client has a respiratory rate of 36 breaths per minute (tachypnea/hyperventilation).
Identifying the primary physiological change helps determine the resulting acid-base shift.
2
Determine the physiological consequence of hyperventilation.
Rapid, deep breathing causes the lungs to blow off excessive amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2).
CO2 acts as an acid in the body; losing it shifts the blood pH toward an alkaline state.
3
Correlate the client's subjective symptoms with the physiological change.
Dizziness and tingling in the extremities (paresthesia) are classic clinical manifestations of a decreased CO2 level.
Alkalosis causes cerebral vasoconstriction (leading to dizziness) and decreases ionized calcium levels (leading to tingling).

Key Concept

Acid-Base Imbalances: Respiratory Alkalosis
Rate this question

Topics

Physiological Adaptation

More questions from this topic