The client with a chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is ...

[Bob-Dole]

The client with a chronic airflow limitation (CAL) is experiencing respiratory acidosis as a complication. The nurse who is trying to enhance the client's respiratory status would avoid do-ing which of the following?
 
  1. Keeping the head of the bed elevated
  2. Monitoring the flow rate of supplemental oxygen
  3. Assisting the client to turn, cough, and breathe deeply
  4. Encouraging the client to breathe slowly and shallowly

Question 2

A client is determined to be in respiratory alkalosis by blood gas analysis. The nurse would monitor this client for signs of which of the following electrolyte disorders that could accompany the acid-base imbalance?
 
  1. Hypokalemia
  2. Hypercalcemia
  3. Hypochloremia
  4. Hypernatremia

[ndhahbi]

Answer to Question 1

4

Rationale: The client with respiratory acidosis is experiencing elevated carbon dioxide levels caused by insufficient ventilation. The nurse would encourage the client to breathe slowly and deeply to expand alveoli and to promote better gas exchange. The actions listed in keeping the head of the bed elevated, monitoring the flow rate of supplemental oxygen, and assisting the client to turn, cough, and breathe deeply are helpful actions on the part of the nurse.

Answer to Question 2

1

Rationale: Clinical manifestations of respiratory alkalosis include tachypnea, hyperpnea, weak-ness, paresthesias, tetany, dizziness, convulsions, coma, hypokalemia, and hypocalcemia. The clinical picture does not include hypernatremia, hypercalcemia, or hypochloremia.