Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 88%
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
D
Rationale
Shallow, slow respirations cause CO2 retention, leading to respiratory acidosis. Other imbalances are not directly related to hypoventilation.