A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident has pale mucous membranes,diaphoresis,confusion,blood pressure 88/48 mm Hg,irregular heart rhythm,and metabolic acidosis.Which finding should the nurse recognize as the likely cause of acidosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When cells are deprived of oxygen,they shift to anaerobic metabolism,resulting in the production of lactic acid.Unless the lactic acid is removed from the bloodstream,the blood will become increasingly acidic,resulting in metabolic acidosis.C.Inadequate ventilation leads to respiratory acidosis as CO₂ levels rise.A.Hyperventilation leads to respiratory alkalosis as CO₂ levels decrease.B.Aerobic metabolism is normal.

A Patient Involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident Has Pale