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Difficulty: EasyPhysiological Adaptation

A client is brought to the emergency department with severe respiratory depression following an opioid overdose. The client's respiratory rate is 8 breaths per minute. Which primary acid-base imbalance should the nurse anticipate?

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

Answer

Respiratory acidosis
A respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicates significant hypoventilation. This leads to the retention of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the blood. Because CO2 acts as an acid in the body, its accumulation causes the blood pH to drop, resulting in respiratory acidosis.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the primary physiological consequence of a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute.
The client is hypoventilating, leading to inadequate gas exchange.
To determine how the altered respiratory pattern affects carbon dioxide elimination.
2
Determine the effect of hypoventilation on carbon dioxide levels.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) is retained in the blood instead of being exhaled.
CO2 levels dictate the respiratory component of the body's acid-base balance.
3
Correlate CO2 retention with the correct acid-base imbalance.
Increased CO2 lowers blood pH, causing an acidic environment driven by the respiratory system.
To identify the anticipated arterial blood gas abnormality.

Key Concept

Acid-base imbalance secondary to hypoventilation
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Topics

Physiological Adaptation

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