The nurse is caring for a patient in the intensive care unit who is in a hepatic coma.The lactic acid level is 32 mg/dL.Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to see?
A)Bradycardia
B)Kussmaul respirations
C)Fever
D)Flushing

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A high lactic acid level indicates metabolic acidosis, which can lead to Kussmaul respirations as the body tries to compensate by increasing breathing rate to get rid of excess acid. Bradycardia, fever, and flushing are not typically associated with hepatic coma or metabolic acidosis.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in the Intensive