Which assessment finding would the nurse expect in a patient with hypercapnia?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dyspnea is a common finding in patients with hypercapnia, as they are unable to adequately clear carbon dioxide from their lungs. This leads to an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, resulting in difficulty breathing. Increased tidal volume and minute ventilation may be present early on in hypercapnia as compensatory mechanisms, but eventually lead to fatigue and respiratory failure. Bradycardia is not typically associated with hypercapnia.

Which Assessment Finding Would the Nurse Expect in a Patient