A client has received too much morphine (narcotic) in the postsurgical recovery room. Blood gas results reveal the patient has developed respiratory acidosis

Question

Which of the following assessment findings correlate with acute primary respiratory acidosis? Select all that apply.
A) Irritability
B) Tingling/numbness in the fingers and toes
C) Muscle twitching
D) Respiratory depression
E) Cardiac palpitations

Answer 1

Ans: A, C, D
Feedback:
The signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis depend on the rapidity of onset and whether the condition is acute or chronic. Elevated levels of CO2 produce vasodilation of cerebral blood vessels, causing headache, blurred vision, irritability, muscle twitching, and psychological disturbances. If severe and prolonged, it can cause an increase in CSF pressure and papilledema. Impaired consciousness, ranging from lethargy to coma, develops as the PCO2 rises to extreme levels. Paralysis of extremities may occur, and there may be respiratory depression. Respiratory alkalosis is associated with light-headedness, dizziness, tingling, and numbness of the fingers and toes. These manifestations may be accompanied by sweating, palpitations, panic, air hunger, and dyspnea.