Practice Quiz

CCRN Nursing Exam Prep - Adult Critical Care

Category - Medical Surgical

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A client has been diagnosed with emphysema and has dyspnea with minimal exertion. The nurse understands that this client is at risk for developing which of the following?
  1. Respiratory acidosis
  2. Respiratory alkalosis
  3. Metabolic acidosis
  4. Metabolic alkalosis
Explanation
Answer - A - Decreased ventilation causes carbon dioxide retention, resulting in an increase in carbonic acid and respiratory acidosis. Hypoxemia (especially with activity) may be present. The other choices are incorrect because respiratory alkalosis occurs with increased exhalation of carbon dioxide; metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis both have metabolic etiologies.
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