A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating. The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of which acidbase imbalance?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis is hyperventilation. Extreme anxiety can lead to hyperventilation. Acute respiratory acidosis occurs in emergency situations, such as pulmonary edema, and is exhibited by hypoventilation and decreased $\mathrm{PaCO}_{2}$. CNS disturbances are found in extreme hyponatremia and fluid overload.

A Patient with a Longstanding Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder PaCO2\mathrm{PaCO}_{2}PaCO2​

A Patient with a Longstanding Diagnosis of Generalized Anxiety Disorder $\mathrm{PaCO}_{2}$