An older postoperative patient is demonstrating lethargy, confusion, and a respiratory rate of 8 per minute. The nurse sees that the last dose of pain medication administered via a patient controlled anesthesia (PCA) pump was within 30 minutes. Which acid‒base disorder might this patient be experiencing?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's lethargy, confusion, and low respiratory rate may indicate hypoventilation, which can cause retention of carbon dioxide and decreased pH, resulting in respiratory acidosis. The recent administration of pain medication may have contributed to the hypoventilation.

An Older Postoperative Patient Is Demonstrating Lethargy, Confusion, and a Respiratory