The nurse is caring for a patient with metabolic acidosis secondary to renal failure caused by poor glucose regulation.The patient reports a headache,weakness,and nausea.The nurse assesses an elevated blood sugar,Kussmaul breathing,and peripheral vasodilation.What collaborative interventions will the nurse anticipate to restore pH balance? Select all that apply.
A) Insulin to lower blood sugar
B) Tylenol for headache
C) Mechanical ventilation to correct breathing
D) Dialysis to remove toxins
E) Bicarbonate administration

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Treatment for metabolic acidosis is aimed at correcting the underlying problem,which includes glucose regulation; that would be achieved by administering insulin.Dialysis for kidney failure is aimed at treating an underlying cause of the metabolic acidosis and would be anticipated.Bicarbonate administration can reduce pH and begin the process of resolving the problem.Tylenol will not resolve the patient's headache unless the metabolic acidosis is also resolved.Mechanical ventilation is not indicated,because while metabolic acidosis exists,the breathing pattern helps to compensate; correction of metabolic acidosis will correct the breathing pattern.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient with Metabolic Acidosis