Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 66%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative and whose respirations are shallow and 8/min. Which of the following acid-based imbalances should the nurse identify the client as being at risk for developing initially?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to hypoventilation, which causes an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood, leading to increased acidity. Shallow respirations at a rate of 8 breaths per minute indicate hypoventilation, putting the client at risk for respiratory acidosis.