The nurse is caring for a client with acute respiratory acidosis and notes the client's rate and depth of breathing are increased. What is the nurse's understanding of the cause of this finding?
A) Respiratory muscles increase the force of contraction with excess hydrogen levels in the blood.
B) The diaphragm weakens with excess hydrogen levels in the blood.
C) As the pH increases, the respiratory rate increases.
D) As the carbon dioxide level decreases, the respiratory rate increases.
A) Respiratory muscles increase the force of contraction with excess hydrogen levels in the blood.
Explanation: A) Respiratory acidosis occurs with excess hydrogen levels in the blood, making the pH acidic. In response, the body attempts to compensate for the acid-base imbalance through increased force of respiratory muscle contraction, increasing the rate and depth of breathing in an effort to remove the excess acid.
B) Respiratory acidosis occurs with excess hydrogen levels in the blood, making the pH acidic. In response, the body attempts to compensate for the acid-base imbalance through increased force of respiratory muscle contraction, including the diaphragm, increasing the rate and depth of breathing in an effort to remove the excess acid. The increased rate and depth of breathing does not mean that the diaphragm is weak.
C) Respiratory acidosis occurs with excess hydrogen levels in the blood, making the pH acidic. In response, the body attempts to compensate by increasing the rate and depth of breathing in an effort to remove the excess acid. An increased pH is an alkalotic state, not acidotic.
D) Respiratory acidosis manifests with increased carbon dioxide levels, not decreased.
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