The nurse is caring for a patient with obstructive pulmonary disease who had tachycardia, tachypnea, and restlessness. The patient now becomes very lethargic and has a normal respiratory rate. The nurse should interpret this as
1. improvement in the condition.
2. a more relaxed and resting patient.
3. stabilization of the condition.
4. worsening of the condition.
4
Rationale: The patient's condition has deteriorated as evidenced by lethargy and decreased respiratory rate. The elevated carbon dioxide levels have affected the central nervous system causing lethargy, which may progress to coma. The patient has become exhausted and is unable to maintain the compensatory mechanisms needed to maintain acid–base balance. This patient is not improving nor is more relaxed and resting. This patient's condition is not stabilizing.
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