Examkin

Question

Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

A nurse is assessing a client who is receiving continuous intravenous opioid analgesia. The client is difficult to arouse and has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. The nurse anticipates the client is developing respiratory acidosis. What arterial blood gas (ABG) findings would confirm this complication? Select all that apply.

  1. pH 7.287.28Answer
  2. PaCO2PaCO_2 56 mm HgAnswer
  3. C
    pH 7.487.48
  4. D
    PaCO2PaCO_2 32 mm Hg
  5. E
    HCO3−HCO_3^- 18 mEq/L

Answer

The ABG findings that confirm respiratory acidosis are a pH of 7.287.28 and a PaCO2PaCO_2 of 56 mm Hg.
Respiratory acidosis is clinically defined by an elevated partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2PaCO_2 greater than 45 mm Hg) and a decreased blood pH (less than 7.357.35). Opioid-induced central nervous system depression causes hypoventilation, leading to the accumulation of carbon dioxide and subsequent acidemia. The correct findings exactly mirror these physiological shifts.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the client's clinical presentation.
The client is experiencing profound hypoventilation (respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute) due to opioid administration.
Identifying the physiological impact of hypoventilation helps determine the expected acid-base imbalance.
2
Determine the effect of hypoventilation on carbon dioxide levels.
A decreased respiratory rate leads to inadequate exhalation and subsequent retention of carbon dioxide in the blood.
Carbon dioxide acts as an acid in the body, so its retention directly lowers blood pH.
3
Correlate the physiological state with specific ABG parameters.
The retention of carbon dioxide corresponds to a PaCO2PaCO_2 greater than 45 mm Hg, resulting in a pH less than 7.357.35.
These specific laboratory values define uncompensated respiratory acidosis.

Key Concept

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Interpretation in Hypoventilation
Rate this question

Topics

Physiological Adaptation

More questions from this topic