A patient having a severe anxiety attack has an arterial blood gas result showing respiratory alkalosis. Which nursing action should the nurse take first?
a. Administer nasal oxygen at 6 L/min.
b. Give the patient a glass of orange juice.
c. Place the patient in high Fowler's position.
d. Have the patient rebreathe air from a paper bag.
ANS: D
D. Rebreathing from a paper bag reduces carbon dioxide loss, which increases carbonic acid in the body, correcting alkalosis. A. B. Oxygen and orange juice will not help. C. The Fowler's position will increase ventilation and could worsen alkalosis.
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