Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 9/min. Which of the following acid-based imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
Shallow, slow respirations cause CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis as the initial acid-base imbalance.