Practice Question
A client with COPD is at risk for respiratory acidosis. Which findings support this? (Select all that apply)
Answer Choices:
Correct Answer:
pH 7.30
Rationale:
✅ pH 7.30
🌫️ A normal pH is 7.35–7.45.
🌫️ A pH of 7.30 is acidic, confirming the presence of acidosis.
🌫️ In COPD, poor ventilation causes retention of CO₂, which lowers the pH.
🌫️ This indicates the blood is too acidic and the body is unable to maintain normal balance.
🌫️ Detecting this early helps the nurse anticipate respiratory interventions such as oxygen titration, airway clearance, or even ventilatory support if worsening.
✅ PaCO₂ 55 mmHg
🌫️ The normal PaCO₂ (partial pressure of carbon dioxide) is 35–45 mmHg.
🌫️ A PaCO₂ of 55 mmHg is elevated, confirming that the client is retaining CO₂ due to hypoventilation.
🌫️ In COPD, chronic airway obstruction limits effective gas exchange, leading to CO₂ buildup.
🌫️ This is the hallmark of respiratory acidosis because the lungs are the source of the imbalance.
🌫️ Prolonged CO₂ retention worsens acidosis and depresses the central nervous system if not corrected.
✅ Restlessness and headache
🌫️ Neurological changes are early warning signs of hypercapnia (high CO₂ levels).
🌫️ Restlessness is often the first clue that oxygenation and acid–base balance are impaired, even before vital signs show changes.
🌫️ Headache occurs because CO₂ dilates cerebral blood vessels, increasing intracranial pressure.
🌫️ If unaddressed, symptoms can progress to confusion, drowsiness, and coma.
🌫️ Nurses must recognize these subtle changes early to prevent respiratory failure.
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This question is from Quiz 1 Fall 2025 Monday PM which contains 41 questions.
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Question Details
- Category: RN Nursing Exam(s)
- Subcategory: ATI Exam(s)
- Domain: RN ATI MedSurg
- Answer Choices: 5