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Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

An adult client is brought to the emergency department following a suspected overdose of a narcotic analgesic. The client is difficult to arouse, with a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute and shallow respirations. Based on these clinical findings, which acid-base imbalance should the nurse anticipate?

  1. Respiratory acidosisAnswer
  2. B
    Respiratory alkalosis
  3. C
    Metabolic acidosis
  4. D
    Metabolic alkalosis

Answer

The correct answer is respiratory acidosis.
The correct answer is respiratory acidosis. A narcotic overdose depresses the central nervous system and the brain's respiratory center. This leads to a significantly decreased respiratory rate (hypoventilation) and shallow breathing. When the lungs do not effectively exhale, carbon dioxide accumulates in the bloodstream. Because carbon dioxide functions as an acid in the body, this retention directly lowers the blood pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's presentation.
The client has a suspected narcotic overdose, lethargy, and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute with shallow respirations.
Identifying the primary physiological problem is necessary to anticipate complications.
2
Determine the effect of the physiological problem on gas exchange.
A slow, shallow respiratory rate indicates severe hypoventilation.
Hypoventilation determines how carbon dioxide is managed by the respiratory system.
3
Correlate the gas exchange alteration with the resulting acid-base imbalance.
Hypoventilation leads to the retention of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia), which lowers blood pH, causing respiratory acidosis.
Carbon dioxide acts as an acid in the body; its retention directly causes a respiratory-driven acidic state.

Key Concept

Acid-Base Imbalances: Hypoventilation and Respiratory Acidosis
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Topics

Physiological Adaptation

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