An older patient is completing preoperative diagnostic testing. The nurse notes that the patient's carbon dioxide level is elevated. What should the nurse be monitoring for this patient?
1. Respiratory status and arterial blood gases
2. Serum potassium level
3. Serum sodium level
4. Intake and output
Correct Answer: 1
A patient with an altered carbon dioxide level could have a history of emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, or respiratory acidosis, or it could be caused by vomiting or nasogastric suctioning. The best nursing intervention for this patient would be to monitor the patient's respiratory status and arterial blood gases. A review of the potassium, sodium levels, and intake and output are not the most beneficial to this patient at this time.
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