Data collection findings for a patient involved in a motor vehicle accident include pale mucous membranes, diaphoresis, confusion, blood pressure 88/48 mm Hg, irregular heart rhythm, and metabolic acidosis. Which of these does the nurse recognize as the likely cause of this acidosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's presentation with pale mucous membranes, diaphoresis, confusion, and metabolic acidosis suggests inadequate tissue oxygenation and anaerobic metabolism, which can lead to an accumulation of lactic acid in the bloodstream. This is often seen in patients with low blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, and other signs of inadequate perfusion. Inadequate ventilation or hyperventilation may contribute to respiratory acidosis or alkalosis, respectively, but are less likely to be the primary cause of metabolic acidosis in this case. Aerobic metabolism is the normal process of energy production in the body and is not a cause of acidosis.

Data Collection Findings for a Patient Involved in a Motor