A patient had gastric surgery 10 days ago and continues to require gastric suction because of a paralytic ileus.The patient reports tingling in the fingers,has hypertonic reflexes,and has a respiratory rate of 8 breaths per minute that are deep in nature.The nurse recognizes that these symptoms are consistent with which diagnosis?
A) Respiratory alkalosis
B) Metabolic acidosis
C) Respiratory acidosis
D) Metabolic alkalosis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Metabolic acidosis can result from excessive gastric secretion,and the symptoms would match the described patient symptoms.A patient with respiratory alkalosis would present with confusion,difficulty focusing,headache,tingling,palpitations,and tremors; this would not be the anticipated problem based on the scenario in the question.A patient with metabolic acidosis presents with headache,confusion,weakness,peripheral vasodilation,nausea and vomiting,and Kussmaul breathing; this would not be the expected diagnosis based on information presented in the scenario.A patient with respiratory acidosis presents with increased pulse and respiratory rate,headache,dizziness,confusion,and muscle twitching.The scenario described would not result in respiratory acidosis.

A Patient Had Gastric Surgery 10 Days Ago and Continues