A patient's respiration rate is 30 per minute and very deep. What disorder should the nurse suspect is occurring in this patient?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Respirations that are deep and rapid (over 20 per minute) can indicate an increase in carbon dioxide in the blood (hypercapnia) which can be caused by a number of respiratory disorders such as pneumonia, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hypernatremia (A) is an electrolyte imbalance and would not typically cause a change in respiratory rate. Hypertension (C) is high blood pressure and does not directly affect respiratory rate. Pain (D) may affect respiratory rate but would not typically cause deep and rapid respirations.

A Patient's Respiration Rate Is 30 Per Minute and Very