The nurse is caring for a client who overdosed on acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) 24 hours ago. The nurse expects to note which of the following findings associated with an anticipated acid-base disturbance?

Question

1. Disorientation and dyspnea
2. Drowsiness, headache, and tachypnea
3. Tachypnea, dizziness, and paresthesias
4. Decreased respiratory rate and depth, cardiac irregularities

Answer 1

2

Rationale: The client who ingests a large amount of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is at risk for developing metabolic acidosis 24 hours later. If metabolic acidosis occurs, the client is likely to exhibit drowsiness, headache, and tachypnea. In the very early hours following aspirin overdose, the client may exhibit respiratory alkalosis as a compensatory mechanism. However, by 24 hours postoverdose, the compensatory mechanism fails and the client reverts to metabolic acidosis. The client with metabolic alkalosis ("decreased respiratory rate and depth, cardiac irregularities") is likely to experience cardiac irregularities and a compensatory decreased respiratory rate and depth. "Disorientation and dyspnea" and "tachypnea, dizziness, and paresthesias" indicate res-piratory acidosis and alkalosis, respectively.