A patient with a longstanding diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder presents to the emergency room. The triage nurse notes upon assessment that the patient is hyperventilating
The triage nurse is aware that hyperventilation is the most common cause of which acid–base imbalance?
A) Respiratory acidosis
B) Respiratory alkalosis
C) Increased PaCO2
D) CNS disturbances
Ans: B
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The most common cause of acute respiratory alkalosis is hyperventilation. Extreme anxiety can lead to hyperventilation. Acute respiratory acidosis occurs in emergency situations, such as pulmonary edema, and is exhibited by hypoventilation and decreased PaCO2. CNS disturbances are found in extreme hyponatremia and fluid overload.
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