Which laboratory data and clinical manifestations should cause the nurse to suspect a client may be experiencing acidosis?
A. A serum sodium level of 130 mEq/L and peripheral edema
B. A serum sodium level of 144 mEq/L and tachycardia
C. A serum potassium level of 6.5 mEq/L and flaccid paralysis
D. A serum potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L and hyperactive deep tendon reflexes.
C
When acidosis is present, the hydrogen ion concentration of the extracellular fluid (ECF) is in-creased above normal. Physiologic action to reduce the ECF hydrogen ion concentration is to move the hydrogen ions into the cells in exchange for potassium ions to maintain electroneutrality of the intracellular fluid. As a result, acidosis is accompanied by hyperkalemia, which diminishes nerve and skeletal muscle excitability, causing flaccid paralysis.
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