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?
- Respiratory acidosisCevap
- BRespiratory alkalosis
- CMetabolic acidosis
- DMetabolic alkalosis
Cevap
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.
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Anahtar Kavram
Acid-base imbalance secondary to hypoventilation