An adult is admitted to the emergency department with a respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute and gasping

Question

The nursing interview reveals the client witnessed a drive-by shooting. The nurse recognizes the client's rapid breathing is probably driven by:
1. brainstem activity.
2. increased perfusion in the cerebral cortex.
3. increased perfusion in the alveolar capillary bed.
4. a sudden increase in blood pressure.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: The brainstem is highly influenced by emotions, particularly fear and anxiety. This client experienced both, which led to a sudden rise in respiratory rate.
Rationale 2: The respiratory rate is determined by activity elsewhere in the brain.
Rationale 3: The respiratory rate is not determined by perfusion in the alveolar capillary bed, although there may be increased perfusion throughout the body because of the acceleration in heart rate.
Rationale 4: The scenario does not describe the client's blood pressure. The respiratory rate is determined by activity in the brain.
Global Rationale: Ventilation is a purely mechanical process that occurs approximately 12 to 18 times per minute in adults, which is a rate determined by neurons in the brainstem. This rate may be modified by a number of factors, including emotions, fever, stress, and the pH of the blood. The respiratory rate is not determined by perfusion in the alveolar capillary bed, although there may be increased perfusion throughout the body because of the acceleration in heart rate. Blood pressure does not determine respiratory rate.