A client with a documented history of advanced emphysema arrives at the emergency department exhibiting profound lethargy and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute. Paramedics report initiating supplemental oxygen at 6 liters per minute via simple face mask during transport. Stat arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis reveals a pH of 7.24, PaCO2 of 78 mm Hg, PaO2 of 65 mm Hg, and HCO3 of 35 mEq/L. Which action must the nurse prioritize to minimize the client's risk for cardiopulmonary arrest?
- AAdminister a rapid-acting bronchodilator via a continuous aerosol nebulizer.
- Prepare the equipment for immediate noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation.Cevap
- CIncrease the supplemental oxygen flow rate to improve arterial oxygen saturation.
- DAdminister prescribed intravenous sodium bicarbonate to buffer the systemic acidosis.
Cevap
Prepare the equipment for immediate noninvasive or invasive mechanical ventilation.
The arterial blood gas results demonstrate uncompensated or partially compensated severe respiratory acidosis. The clinical findings of profound lethargy and a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute indicate CO2 narcosis, a life-threatening complication often triggered in COPD clients by the administration of excessive supplemental oxygen. The immediate priority is to support the client's breathing and blow off the excess carbon dioxide through mechanical ventilation (such as BiPAP or endotracheal intubation).
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Anahtar Kavram
Management of Acute Respiratory Acidosis and CO2 Narcosis