Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 87%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department (ED) who has high anxiety and shallow respirations at a rate of 30/min. Which of the following acid-base disturbances is the client most likely experiencing?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Respiratory alkalosis is typically caused by hyperventilation, where excessive breathing leads to a decrease in carbon dioxide levels. The client's symptoms of high anxiety and rapid, shallow respirations are indicative of hyperventilation, making respiratory alkalosis the most likely diagnosis.