A patient who was injured at home is brought to the emergency department. The nurse caring for this patient notes a respiratory rate of 32 breaths per minute and a heart rate of 90 beats per minute
The injuries are minor, but the patient is inconsolable and hysterical. The nurse expects that initial management will include: a. administering a gas mixture of 5% carbon dioxide (CO2).
b. providing 100% oxygen via nasal cannula.
c. giving sodium bicarbonate IV.
d. providing sedatives to calm the patient.
A
The patient is at risk for respiratory alkalosis as a result of hyperventilation, and giving the patient a gas mixture containing CO2 will help correct the alkalosis. Administering oxygen would worsen the problem. Sodium bicarbonate is given to correct metabolic acidosis. Sedatives may be necessary if initial measures fail.
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