A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with an acid-base imbalance.The client's arterial blood gas values are pH 7.32,PaO₂ 85 mm Hg,PaCO₂ 34 mm Hg,and HCO₃- 16 mEq/L.What action should the nurse take next?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Progressive skeletal muscle weakness is associated with increasing severity of acidosis.Muscle weakness can lead to severe respiratory insufficiency.Acidosis does lead to dysrhythmias (due to hyperkalemia),but these would best be assessed with cardiac monitoring.Findings should be documented,but simply continuing to monitor is not sufficient.Before notifying the physician,the nurse must have more data to report.

A Nurse Assesses a Client Who Is Admitted with an Acid-Base