Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 93%
Simulated
A client is admitted with a suspected opioid overdose and a respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute. Which of the following data would the nurse anticipate? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Correct answer
A,B
Rationale
The correct answers are A and B. In opioid overdose, the client often presents with respiratory depression, leading to hypoventilation and hypercapnia. A low respiratory rate of 6 breaths per minute indicates retaining CO2, causing respiratory acidosis (pH 7.29) and increased PaCO2 (choice B). Choices C and D suggest respiratory alkalosis and normal oxygenation, which are not typical in opioid overdose. Choice E indicates hypocapnia, which is inconsistent with the scenario.