A client is brought in by ambulance in a nauseous and confused state and demonstrating carpopedal spasm. Initial arterial blood gasesshow increased pH and HCO3and normal PaCO₂ levels. Breathing is slow and shallow. As the nurse caring for this client, you know that potassiumsalt should be a part of the treatment for this client when? A) Always B) When hypokalemia is present C) When there is volume depletion D) When base bicarbonate accumulates

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client is displaying signs of metabolic alkalosis, which can be caused by excessive loss of hydrogen ions (H+) or an excess of bicarbonate (HCO3-). In this case, the increased pH and HCO3- levels suggest an excess of bicarbonate. One of the compensatory mechanisms for metabolic alkalosis is the movement of potassium ions (K+) out of the cells in exchange for H+ ions in order to lower H+ ion concentration and raise the pH. This can lead to hypokalemia, which can cause carpopedal spasm, among other symptoms. Therefore, potassium salt should be a part of the treatment when hypokalemia is present in order to correct the electrolyte imbalance.

A Client Is Brought in by Ambulance in a Nauseous