A patient is demonstrating hypoxia and has arterial blood gases that indicate alkalosis. The chest x-ray shows bilateral patchy infiltrates. What other assessment findings might the nurse anticipate if the patient's condition continues to worsen?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As the patient's condition worsens, hypotension may occur due to decreased cardiac output and systemic vascular resistance, which are common in severe respiratory conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that can cause bilateral patchy infiltrates.

A Patient Is Demonstrating Hypoxia and Has Arterial Blood Gases