A patient who was injured at home is brought to the emergency department. The nurse caring for this patient notes a respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 90 beats/min. The injuries are minor, but the patient is inconsolable and hysterical. The nurse expects that initial management will include:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is at risk for respiratory alkalosis as a result of hyperventilation, and giving the patient a gas mixture containing CO₂ will help correct the alkalosis. Administering oxygen would worsen the problem. Sodium bicarbonate is given to correct metabolic acidosis. Sedatives may be necessary if initial measures fail.

A Patient Who Was Injured at Home Is Brought to the Emergency