A patient who is hemorrhaging has pale mucous membranes, blood pressure 92/52 mm Hg, pulse 160 beats/minute, and respirations 30/minute. The patient is receiving intravenous fluids at 150 mL/hour, has a blood transfusion infusing, and is being provided oxygen via a mask. Which of the following does the nurse recognize as the most likely cause of the patient's respiratory rate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inadequate tissue perfusion, due to hemorrhaging, leads to increased respiratory rate as the body attempts to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery to tissues by increasing oxygen intake and carbon dioxide expulsion through faster breathing.

A Patient Who Is Hemorrhaging Has Pale Mucous Membranes, Blood